In Photos: The British Royal Family's Visits to Nigeria
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria is underway, look back on other royal visits by Queen Elizabeth, King Charles, and more.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's three-day visit to Nigeria kicked off on Friday, making them the latest members of the British royal family to visit the country.
Nigeria is former British colony; the country gained independence in 1960, but remains a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 countries. Following Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022, King Charles succeeded his mother as head of the organization. "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949," Queen Elizabeth said in 2018. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth visited Nigeria twice—in 1956, when Nigeria was still a colony, and 2003, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Thus far, King Charles has yet to visit in his capacity as head of the Commonwealth. He previously visited in 1990 with his then-wife, Princess Diana, and again in 1999, 2006, and 2018.
In chronological order, here are the best photos of British royals in Nigeria:
1956
In 1956, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip undertook a royal tour of Nigeria.
On their trip, they went to Lagos, Calabar, Enugu, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Here, the royal couple is pictured speaking with Cheif Okosoi at a reception at Enugu
At Kaduna Airport, Queen Elizabeth inspected a regiment.
The Queen met with Governor of the Western Region in Ijebu-ode.
1960
In 1960, Nigeria declared independence, and Princess Alexandra traveled to the country to represent Queen Elizabeth at the independence celebrations. Here, she reads the Queen's speech in Lagos.
1990
In 1990, Princess Diana and Prince Charles undertook a royal visit of Nigeria.
Diana and Charles each carried out a number of engagements solo.
2001
In 2001, the Princess Royal undertook a six-day royal visit to Nigeria.
2003
In 2003, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip returned to Nigeria for the annual Commonwealth heads meeting.
Here, Queen Elizabeth meets Noidi Okereke Onyiwke (L, wearing purple), Director General of the Nigerian stock exchange, during a reception shortly after her arrival.
In this photo, Queen Elizabeth tours the secretariat of Karu Local council, near Abuja.
Philip and Elizabeth wave goodbye at the airport.
2006
Then-Prince Charles set out on a royal tour of West Africa, and Nigeria was the second leg of his trip.
Here, Charles visited the oldest church in northern Nigeria located in Zazzau.
2018
He returned 12 years later, with Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall.
2024
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kicked off their three-day visit to Nigeria at a school.
Meghan took a selfie with students as Harry made a funny face behind them.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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