PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle were seen touching down in California after their charity released a statement following his alleged “delinquency”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were on what they called an “unforgettable” trip to Nigeria, were flown home today.
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The couple returned to the United States after attending a charity match at the Lagos Polo Club.
Before that, Harry, 39, had played basketball with a group of local Nigerian youths.
He and his wife Meghan spent three days in the West African country, meeting with residents and local leaders.
While there, they revealed a partnership between the Archewell Foundation and non-profit organization Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
But in the hours that followed, the charity hit the headlines after it was declared in default and ordered to stop raising money after failing to produce records.
It is alleged that the charity did not timely file its 2022 tax return or related costs.
However, the documents were filed and the check was sent, but it never arrived, The Telegraph reported.
The Sussexes’ charity broke its silence on Tuesday night over the alleged cash problems, claiming it is “fully compliant”.
The Archewell Foundation said: “We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that the Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing.
“Payments due were made promptly and in accordance with IRS processes and procedures.
“In addition, all necessary documentation was completed by the Foundation without errors or irregularities.”
And in a new statement Tuesday night, the California Department of Justice confirmed that the charity is in “good standing.”
Upon leaving Nigeria this week, the couple expressed their “deepest gratitude” for the “tremendous hospitality” of the communities.
The Sussexes kicked off their “faux royal tour” with a visit to Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in the capital.
They then visited Nigeria’s defense headquarters on Friday to meet military wives and senior officials.
The following day, Harry was spotted playing volleyball, before Meghan referred to Nigeria as “my country”.
Speaking at an event in the capital Abuja on Saturday, the duchess said: “I want to start by thanking you all very much for your kindness in welcoming my husband and I to this country… my country.
“I am simply flattered, honored and inspired. It has been a turbulent 24 hours since we arrived.
“And I quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colors, so I can fit in with all of you and your amazing fashion.”
The Duchess of Sussex recently discovered that she was 43% Nigerian, according to a genealogical test.
On Sunday, Harry tried his hand at basketball, before they ended the trip at a charity polo match.
The Sussexes then released a statement this week about their “unforgettable” trip.
Highlights of the trip to Nigeria
The Sussexes touched down in the capital Abuja on Friday morning to promote the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
The Sussexes began their “faux royal tour” with a visit to Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in the capital.
On Saturday, Harry showed his competitive side at an Invictus Games sitting volleyball event.
At a charity event that night, Harry and Meghan were photographed standing for God Save The King.
It happened when the duo visited Nigeria’s defense headquarters on Friday to meet military wives and senior officials.
He later visited a military hospital in war-torn Kaduna, about 200km north of Abuja.
The region has seen horrific fighting between nomadic Fulani herders and farmers, as well as an insurgency by Boko Haram Islamists.
Meghan referred to Nigeria as ‘my country’ while co-hosting an event for Women in Leadership.
Speaking at the event in the capital Abuja on Saturday, Meghan said: “I want to start by thanking you all so much for your kindness in welcoming my husband and I to this country… my country.
They issued a statement thanking the Nigerian people for hosting them on their recent visit.
It read: “Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluded their unforgettable trip to Nigeria with a cultural reception in Lagos and a fundraising polo match for Nigeria: Unconquered.”
The statement addressed a pre-game parade and a “vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo attire.”
They hailed the jubilant day “full of sport and spirit”.
He continued: “The friendly rivalry between the teams, aptly named Duke v Duchess, added a layer of excitement to the event, with the Duchess’ team claiming victory with a score of 5-3.
“The day ended with the presentation of medals to the couple, a gesture of gratitude for the prolific talent and dedication of the players.”
The couple’s message concluded with an extension of their “deepest gratitude” to the welcoming Nigerian community for their “tremendous hospitality.”
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An expert’s view of the tour
Newsweek’s chief royal correspondent, Jack Royston, stated that they are treating this as a royal trip, despite the trip technically being a “private” visit.
Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Exclusive program, he said: “It’s not a private trip.
“I mean, it’s so funny because even that announcement was made at a press conference with ‘welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ in the background and a big board.
“It’s a little confusing in terms of how they presented it.
“But essentially no, it’s not a private trip, it’s very much like an old-school real trip, except for the fact that obviously they didn’t invite, in general, the media at large.”
This is Harry and Meghan’s first trip to Nigeria as a couple, although they did go on a royal tour to southern Africa in 2019 when they were working royals.
They stepped down from royal duties and moved across the pond in 2020 – with their departure dubbed ‘Megxit’.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
