Nigerian gifts wouldn’t have been accepted by Harry and Meghan ’cos of official royal policy on gifts
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle left Nigeria in the wee hours of Monday with the taste of Naija jollof rice still fresh in their mouths and clutching more than 20 gifts from corporates and citizens as signs of appreciation for their three-day tour of a country famous for hospitality.
They can keep all of the gifts, that include hand-woven aso okes, personalised T-shirts, paintings, and books, because they are no longer working members of the British royal family, having opted four years ago for an independent life devoid of suffocating demands and protocols of the Firm (British monarchy).
But official royal policy that applies to all senior working members of the Firm would have prevented them from accepting such gifts if they had stayed in the grip of royalty, which Harry had complained about, and was looking for ways to get out of, before he met Meghan in 2016, two years after which he married her.
New York Post explains below the royal rule on gifts and how Harry and Meghan are probably feeling relieved for not having to following it any more, now that they are literally on their own, living happily with their two kids – Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2 – in Montecito, California, United States.
Returning from Naija full-handed
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Nigeria Monday – but the pair did not go empty-handed.
During their brief trip, the Sussexes were showered with an array of gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing, to jewelry and literature.
Had the pair remained firmly within the royal family, they would not be allowed to accept any of the presents gifted to them.
According to the official royal policy, last updated in 2003, royals are not allowed to accept gifts from government bodies, trade associations, guilds, civic bodies, the armed services, charities or similar organizations, especially if they have an established connection or patronage.
Gifts from individuals not known to the royals are to be refused, “where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself.”
Presents such as flowers, food and books are allowed to be accepted if they amount to less than $200 each.
A strict royal record is kept of all official gifts handed to the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this week headed back to Montecito, California, following their three-day tour of the West African country.
The pair were seen wearing traditional wooden beaded necklaces that were gifted to them upon arrival.
Most gifts are housed under the Royal Collection or placed on a loan with a reputable organization.
Upon arrival in Nigeria [last] Thursday, Harry received two paintings – one of which showed him and his late mother, Princess Diana.
Another portrait, gifted by the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, featured Harry and Meghan.
Artwork, clothing, jewelry, literature
During their brief trip, the Sussexes were showered with an array of gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing, to jewelry and literature.
Elsewhere, Harry received a traditional Nigerian waistcoat, as well as a Hula cap – which he needed help putting on.
On Day 2 of their tour, the “Suits” alum, 42, was gifted a drawing, depicting wildlife, as well as a bouquet of roses from a little girl.
And as the pair sat down to watch a volleyball match take place, the pair each received traditional scarves that boasted the colors of the Nigerian flag.
Since Meghan and Harry are no longer senior working members of the royal family, they were allowed to accept gifts.
The pair later received complete Nigerian outfits from their hosts. Harry’s outfit featured a shirt and hat.
Personalised T-shirts
What’s more, they were given their own personalized T-shirts, each emblazoned with “Harry Dreams Big” and “Meghan Dreams Big.”
On the final day of their tour, the former actress, who referred to Nigeria as “my country” during her visit, wore a stunning yellow Carolina Herrera gown.
To complement her outfit, the wife of the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gifted her a matching shawl.
What’s more, they were also given their own personalized T-shirts.
The mom of two also received traditional Nigerian coral drop earrings, as well as traditional wooden beaded necklaces, which both she and Harry wore.
As they departed, Harry was given a large mirror that featured a painting of the couple on the back.
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