Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travelled from Abuja to Lagos on the third and final day of their trip to Nigeria, where the Duchess was sweetly wished a Happy Mother's Day.
It was an action-packed day for the Sussexes, who headed to a basketball court at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School for a special game. Harry and Meghan were welcomed by ex-NBA star Masai Ujiri, Chairman and President of non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, which travels the continent to run children's basketball camps, building courts, and facilitate outreach initiatives.
© KOLA SULAIMONThey then had a private meeting with Babjide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, where they discussed the importance of their work with the Invictus Games in protecting veterans' mental health.
The day culminated in a fierce battle between Harry and Meghan at the Lagos Polo Club, with the Duchess of Sussex's team emerging victorious.
© Andrew EsieboPolo wars - Harry v. Meghan
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the prestigious Lagos Polo Club for a special reception in aid of Nigeria Unconquered, where keen polo player Harry no doubt felt perfectly at home.
Following a pre-game parade including young children on foot waving Nigerian flags and older riders on horseback, the game was introduced – a friendly match of Duke vs Duchess teams.
© KOLA SULAIMONThe couple, who didn't take part in the match themselves, took pride of place in the polo club's top tier to watch the game. They also met with supporters of the organisation helping veterans and wounded soldiers by challenging through adaptive sports.
The game ended 5-3 to the Duchess’s team, much to her delight!
© KOLA SULAIMONPrince Harry surprised the crowds after a medal presentation by thanking everyone for their hospitality in an impromptu speech.
Private meeting with the Governor of Lagos State
© Andrew EsieboOn Sunday afternoon, following a quick change at a city centre hotel, the pair enjoyed a private meeting with Babjide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State.
Meghan looked gorgeous in a long yellow dress with a loose fit. The dress was the very same one worn for Prince Archie's first birthday party in 2020, which fans caught a glimpse of in the couple's Netflix documentary.
© GettyShe wore her hair pinned up in a chignon and added circular gold pendant earrings and a choker necklace. Harry, meanwhile looked smart in a beige jacket, black tie and matching chinos.
The duchess added a beautiful shawl – a gift from the govenor's wife - worn diagonally across the garment.
© Getty"For Prince Harry this has been a very interesting and very informative trip to the country," Sanwo-Olu said. "He has seen a lot and is still soaking in a whole lot. One of the things we are hoping he will take away, is he sees the diversity and the extent of how big our country is and how we continue to ensure that we live together in peace and harmony."
Sanwo-Olu praised Prince Harry's work with the Invictus Games and around mental health in general.
© GettyHe said: “We are happy for what they are doing for military men and mental health issues and mental illness," adding that it is essential “people who require the support both in the military and private can seek the support. The denial, the stigmatization is one of the things that we talked about."
Basketball fun
© GettyThe couple enjoyed a sporty start to the day when they were welcomed on the basketball court at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School to enjoy a series of street-style dances.
They appeared in great spirits, gasping and clapping as they watched an acrobatic performance that featured a young boy being thrown between two dancers and the impressive performers forming human towers.
© Getty/KOLA SULAIMONLooking as stylish as ever, the royal mother-of-two donned a Caroline Herrera shirt over a traditional Nigerian skirt she had been presented as a gift.
Meghan's special greeting
© Getty/Andrew EsieboAfter taking in the performances, Harry and Meghan were welcomed by ex-NBA star Masai Ujiri, who is Chairman and President of non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, which travels the continent to run children's basketball camps, building courts, and facilitate outreach initiatives.
Speaking as the duo unveiled a partnership between the charity and their Archewell Foundation, the former player addressed Meghan and mentioned his own wife as he said: "I want to wish you a Happy, Happy Mother's Day."
The power of sport
Prince Harry could be seen rising from his seat and applauding the women as the former Toronto Raptors star spoke.
© Getty/Andrew EsieboUjiri added the heartfelt sentiment: "It is sometimes hard for us to be away from our kids and family to make things like this happen. But to do so shows dedication. To come to something like this and delicate yourself we truly appreciate it so thank you again."
He continued: "We are inspired by the youth and they will continue to be leaders and they will change Africa. Africa is already changing. We use sports to try to make some more change. It improves peace, it brings people together and brings incredible gatherings like this."
© Getty/Andrew EsieboHe then revealed his disappointment at previously missing the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, saying: "It broke my heart that I couldn’t be there. Full circle now – I was supposed to meet Prince Harry then and now I meet him in Lagos, Nigeria. Yeah!"
In response, the Prince put his arms out and called: "Seven years!"
© AlamyUjiri then said of Archewell: "Everything they do is the same thing we want to do in Giants of Africa – which is unite communities and uplift young children and give opportunity. Ours is to through sports. "Let's keep moving, let's keep growing, let's keep showing on this continent. We can do this," he added.
Harry and Meghan's speeches
© Getty/KOLA SULAIMONPrince Harry then praised Giants of Africa as he made a speech, saying: "What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing.
"Specifically with sport. The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers which is the most important thing. It's wonderful to see each and every one of you here today, sitting on this court. I know you're ready to go. And we're going to get those balls going and you're going to show us how good you are."
© Getty/Andrew EsieboMeghan revealed that working on Suits in Toronto was the first time she heard about Giants of Africa, movingly saying: "Talk about full circle again – never did I think we would be able to be here all those years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organisation. We're so grateful and proud of all the work that you're doing."
She declined to play basketball herself, self-deprecatingly commenting: "Don't tempt me to try to do any basketball, my husband is the athletic one."
© Getty/Andrew EsieboHarry then stepped onto the court and took part in some fun ball-bouncing drills before the couple moved around the court and spoke to some of the wheelchair basketball players.
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"You're better than I am," the Duchess told one young player, while she had a hug for Dennis Ogbe, 47, a Paralympian shot putter and discus thrower for Team USA.
