NEWS
EXCLUSIVEHarry and Meghan touch down in Nigerian capital for private tour of African nation to promote Invictus Games – after secret rendezvous in London following his lonely homecoming
The couple, visiting Nigeria together for the first time, were seated in the first class section of the Boeing 777 and were kept apart from other passengers by a curtain.
It comes after Harry said it was ‘great’ to be back in the UK this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Duke had been in London since Tuesday, attending events relating to the competition including On arrival in Nigeria just before 5am today, other travellers were held back while the couple were escorted off and they exchanged smiles with cabin crew as they left.
Prince Harry says it’s ‘great’ to be back in UK
The Duke of Sussex said it was ‘great’ to be back in the UK this week.
Speaking at an event he attended in London yesterday for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved military children, Harry was asked by BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph: ‘Nice to have you back. How is it being here?’
The Duke replied: ‘It’s great. Just as the lights turned off, perfect timing. It’s great, it’s amazing. What Scotty’s is doing with these kids is absolutely incredible, and very needed as well.
‘And the more opportunity we get to do these kind of events, the more that families and kids up and down the country know that Scotty’s exists, which is really the most important thing.’
Ms Relph asked him: ‘How many Maltesers did you eat off the floor?’
And Harry replied: ‘Er, you guys probably know better than I do, but at least three. I think by that point it started getting a little bit weird.’
As he walked away, Ms Relph said: ‘And nice to be back in the UK?’ And Harry said: ‘Yeah, it’s great. Nice to see you.’
Nigerian officials met them at the airport, Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International, and they were taken out of a side door onto the jetty and into a waiting blacked out minibus.
Meghan was wearing black trousers and a brown jacket, while Harry walked behind in a black jacket and trousers and open necked shirt.
Aides carried their luggage, and they were accompanied by the same security team that had been with Harry throughout his recent stay in London.
The couple are thought to be staying in the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja where the presidential suit costs £600 a night.
Set in picturesque landscape gardens in the heart of the Nigerian capital, the hotel has a restaurant, pool and spa and is popular with expats and diplomats.
It is also close to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters where the couple will have their first engagement at 12pm with General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau told MailOnline: ‘They will be tired after their journey, so they will rest and then the first engagement is at midday at the Defence Headquarters.