Meghan and Harry fail to follow royal protocol after saving more than 20 gifts from their trip to Nigeria – but Kate and Wills can’t

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry took a three-day trip to Nigeria last weekend and they certainly didn’t leave empty-handed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received more than 20 special gifts during their visit and were able to take them home after no longer needing to follow royal protocol.

5

5

The couple received a series of gifts, including jewelry, artwork and clothing.

Typically, royal protocol means that family members cannot accept some gifts given to them during visits.

O official royal politics states that gifts from unknown royals should be refused “when there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the giver or the gift itself.”

Gifts that may be accepted are flowers, food and books if they cost less than £150.

It adds: “In all cases, and particularly on official trips abroad, organizations and individuals should be discouraged from offering extravagant gifts, i.e. gifts of high monetary value.

“While always remaining sensitive to local customs, families should explore alternative gestures of goodwill during preliminary commitment discussions.”

In terms of gifts offered by commercial companies in the UK, these should “normally be refused unless they are offered as a souvenir of an official visit to the company’s premises, to mark a royal wedding or other special personal occasion”.

The policy states: “When gifts are accepted, the consent of the Member of the Royal Family must depend on the company’s commitment not to exploit the gift for commercial purposes.”

All gifts accepted by the royal family are recorded in a strict royal register, with many of them being kept in the Royal Collection or loaned to a reputable organization.

While Prince William and Kate Middleton will have to follow strict guidelines for any royal trips they take, Meghan and Harry will have more freedom.

The couple stepped down as royals in 2020 and now live in California with their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, two.

Therefore, the Nigeria the trip was private, despite many experts considering it a “fake real trip”.

During the trip, Prince Harry was given two paintings – one of his late mother, Princess Diana, and another of him and Meghan.

He was also given clothing including a traditional Nigerian vest and a Hula cap.

5

5

Meanwhile, Meghan received a bouquet of roses from a young girl and a drawing of wildlife.

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a volleyball match, they were given traditional scarves in the colors of the Nigerian flag.

They also received full Nigerian outfits and personalized t-shirts that said “Harry Dreams Big” and “Meghan Dreams Big”.

Meghan received a shawl to match her gorgeous yellow Carolina Herrera dress on the final day of the tour.

She also received some beautiful and traditional Nigerian coral drop earrings and the Sussexes also got some wooden bead necklaces.

Another gift they received was a large mirror with a painting of the couple on the back.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were on what they called an “unforgettable” trip to Nigeria, were flown home today.

When the couple left Nigeria expressed their “deepest gratitude” for the “tremendous hospitality” of the communities.

They flew back to the United States after attending a charity match at the Lagos Polo Club.

Harry and 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.