Prince Harry slammed for ‘appalling’ comment on ‘in-laws’ amid rift with Meghan Markle’s family

Prince Harry has been criticised on social media for some comments he made in Nigeria after he and his wife Meghan Markle were invited to the Lagos State Government House on Sunday.

The couple’s visit was seen as a success and saw Meghan being described as Nigeria’s ” new princess ” after she spoke to locals about the results of a DNA test which revealed she is 43 per cent Nigerian. While in the country, she was honoured as an Ada Mazi, a title of respect meaning “daughter of an aristocrat”, with the honour being of the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.

Three Kings, His Eminence Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Great Olu Of Warri Kingdom, all took part in the special ceremony. Harry, 39, gave a speech at the event and addressed those gathered as his “in-laws”.

Harry and Meghan visit Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria
Harry and Meghan visit Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria(Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
The Duke of Sussex said: “I’ll skip the protocol because at this point we’re all family. Thank you for welcoming my wife and myself to Nigeria.” He said this was the pair’s “first visit” but “certainly” it would not be their last.

Harry added: “Thank you for the naming ceremony. I don’t know how I got dragged into that as well, but to be able to witness it as well next to my wife, it means a huge amount to both of us but especially her, so thank you for that.” Meghan also addressed the crowd and could not hide her emotions as she shared with the audience: “I’m missing my babies.” She told the attendees: “It feels appropriate that although of course we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”

But Harry’s comment sparked a debate on social media, with some people wondering why he would use the word “in-laws” to address a crowd of people he was not familiar with before the visit. Several critics pointed out that while he described the audience as his “in-laws”, he has no relationship with Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, or her siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jr.