Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently embarked on a three-day journey through Nigeria, returning not just with cherished memories but also with more than 20 unique gifts from their visit.
Freed from the constraints of royal protocol, they were able to bring back jewelry, artwork, and clothing. However, reports suggest that Prince William is absolutely furious about their Nigerian tour, as royal protocol traditionally prohibits family members from accepting certain gifts during official visits.
According to official Royal guidelines, gifts from unfamiliar individuals are typically declined if doubts arise regarding the appropriateness of the donor or the nature of the gift itself. However, permissible gifts such as flowers, food items, and books are accepted as long as their value doesn't exceed £150 or $190.
When it comes to gifts from commercial enterprises, the general practice in the UK is to decline them, unless they are presented as mementos of an official visit or to commemorate significant personal events. Gifts accepted by the royal family are carefully documented and managed, often becoming part of the royal collection or lent to reputable institutions. The guidelines emphasize discouraging extravagant gifts, especially during official overseas trips.
While Prince William and Princess Kate must adhere to strict guidelines during royal tours, Meghan and Harry now have more flexibility in their choices and actions, having stepped down from their senior working roles in 2020.
The couple currently resides in California with their two children. Although their trip to Nigeria was undertaken in a private capacity, many experts have referred to it as a "faux royal tour."
Royal expert Tom Quin has suggested that Prince Charles is unhappy with the couple's actions. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he claimed that Prince William is "absolutely furious" and determined to find a way to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The trip gave the impression that Meghan and Harry still consider themselves fully paid-up working royals, which has not been well-received by Prince William and Prince Charles. Tom Quin explained that it appears as if Meghan and Harry have "gone rogue," refusing to accept that they are no longer working royals.
The senior royals are worried about losing control over the situation and are contemplating how to manage it. The Nigeria trip has only intensified their concerns. It seems that Meghan and Harry are asserting their independence, signaling that they do not need permission to act as working royals on their own terms, regardless of time or location.
