'No Hand Holding': Users Say Meghan Markle Looks 'Peeved' While Returning Home from Nigerian Tour with Prince Harry
Social media users have said that Meghan Markle appeared visibly upset upon returning home with Prince Harry from their Nigerian tour. Eagle-eyed onlookers commented on the couple's body language, pointing out that there was "no hand holding." This comes amid reports stating that the Sussexes are having trouble with their charity.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have touched down back in their home base after an 18-hour flight from Nigeria. They returned to Los Angeles after spending three days in Abuja on a "semi-royal tour."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving at the Lagos airport for Official State Welcome in Lagos, Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted arriving at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), before leaving the airport in an SUV at the venue's Private Suites facility.
Media of Meghan, who wore a brown blazer, matching flats, and white trousers, walking toward the car with her phone in hand sparked public commentary online.
Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event in Whistler, Canada on February 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to many social media users, the Duchess of Sussex looked unhappy. "Oh dear, madam looks peeved," perceived an X user. "I guess she wasn't that comfortable," asserted a Facebooker. Other spectators diverted their attention to the couple's body language and lack of interaction.
Meghan Markle after the State Funeral Service of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
From the photos and video footage, viewers could see that, unlike on other occasions, the pair walked solo to their car with Meghan ahead of Prince Harry—who wore dark-colored pants and a jacket—and him lagging behind her. "If you watch the video, she walked waaayyyy ahead of him. No hand holding, no nothing," remarked another commenter.
Meghan Markle at the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London, England on November 7, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
"Look at her not clinging onto Harry when a camera isn't known to be around," stated someone else while another person echoed the sentiment highlighting, "back to normal M in front H looking cast off behind [...] the act is over." "They can't stand each other! What a farce," said another critic.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visiting the University of Chichester's Engineering and Technology Park in Bognor Regis, England on October 3, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Although most criticized the duo, some people showered them with love and support. "Love all the way ❤️💝," wrote a fan. Another admirer who was keen on Meghan and Prince Harry's return gushed, "We missed them already. 😁"
Regarding the claims some made about Prince Harry and Meghan not being able to "stand each other" and ultimately faking their happiness, the Duchess of Sussex has made it abundantly clear that she and her beau are doing just fine.
While speaking to a media outlet during the Nigerian tour, about her, Prince Harry, and their family, Meghan disclosed, "We're just doing great. And happy to be watching our family grow up and evolve. Of course, I'm happy. We're really happy."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at The Endeavour Fund Awards in London, England on March 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Things may be peachy and rosy as far as the couple's relationship and home life are concerned; however, they are reportedly facing challenges with their charity foundation. According to reports, Archewell has been deemed "delinquent," and was barred from spending or raising funds.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on stage at The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age in New York City on October 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Reportedly, the pair let a delay in payment of the foundation's official registration fees happen and failed to submit Archewell's annual report.
An official letter drafted by Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California, stipulates, "An organization that is listed as delinquent is not in good standing and is prohibited from engaging in conduct for which registration is required [...] The organization may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during day 2 of their visit to Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to having to pay late fees, Archewell will also be required to submit records showing justification for why the payment is late.
A media outlet reporting on the news made mention of the fact that, at first, they (the outlet) were informed that the charity foundation filed for an extension. However, they were later told that along with the filing, a check had been sent to Rob's office that was not received and thus, a new one has since been issued.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speaking at Global Citizen Live in New York City on September 25, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Far from allowing this slight bump in the road to affect the goals and initiatives of their foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed that Archewell will be expanding its partnership with the GEANCO Foundation in Abuja.
Aside from the standing initiative to help young Nigerian women with menstrual health products and education, Archewell will now also add mental health resources and training for young women and men.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interacting with young girls and boys during their visit to the Polo Club in Lagos, Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Apart from finding controversial things to say about Prince Harry and Meghan arriving back home from Nigeria, their tour was deemed a success. However, just like their return to LA, it was not without drama. Social media users who saw photos of the couple during their trip had a lot to say about the dresses Meghan wore.
Meghan Markle and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State Governor House in Lagos, Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
From traditional settings to formal events, her wardrobe was critiqued for both its style and appropriateness. Five specific dresses Meghan wore became the focal points of this fashion controversy.
Meghan's first dress was worn at a school visit. She wore a Heidi Merrick Windsor gown, characterized by its backless design and tiered skirt. She accessorized with an Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex tennis bracelet, a Cartier love bracelet, Emme Parsons shoes, and a Tank Française watch by Cartier.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the Lightway Academy as part of celebrations for the Invictus Games anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The dress was quickly noted for its casual and revealing style. Critics pointed out, "Lady, you are not at a cocktail party. This is a children's school," and "Who dresses in a backless dress to a school visit 🤔 yessss a yacht girl 😂😂😂."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the Lightway Academy as part of the celebrations for the Invictus Games anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, the dress's inappropriateness in a conservative setting drew further backlash. Meghan received comments like "Sleeveless and backless slinky dress to a school visit where modesty is expected. A country with half the population Muslim and she rocks up half naked flesh exposed. Seriously." and "Wrinkled, ill-fitting dress. Unkempt, as usual."
Meghan Markle visits the Lightway Academy as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan wore her second dress during a more casual outing. The Johanna Ortiz dress is noted for its structured design and palm tree leaf patterns.
She paired this with Emme Parsons Cecelia shoes and a variety of accessories including a Cartier love bracelet, a Diamond Hex tennis bracelet, Jennifer Meyer earrings, Heidi Merrick sunglasses, and a Lorraine Schwartz diamond pave bracelet.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a sitting volleyball match for the charity, Nigeria Unconquered, in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Her appearance prompted comments on her physical appearance, such as "Megan looks extremely skinny😮." There was also a mix of concern and admiration, "Love [her] dress but she lost too much weight." Others called the outfit "So inappropriate."
Meghan Markle attends a sitting volleyball match for the charity, Nigeria Unconquered, in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The third dress appeared at a formal event. Meghan chose a St. Agni creation, this time a tube dress which, like the first one, was met with harsh criticism.
With this look, she wore vintage Christian Dior earrings and nude Aquazurra sandals to match her Cartier bracelet and watch. She also donned her Diamond Hex tennis bracelet and diamond pave bracelet again.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This time, Meghan received backlash for failing to respect local cultural norms. Observations like "Disrespectful wardrobe for the culture" and "She is too old to keep showing off her shoulders & back" were common. The phrases "Who wears a tub dress to an occasion like this," and "Lol Tube dress....no respect at all," were also written in the comment section of a social media post showing her outfit.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan wore her fourth dress, a clingy ORÍRÉ midi dress with a ruffled bottom, to a speaking engagement. She paired this with Aquazurra sandals, Kimaï hooped earrings, and a Logan Hollowell necklace to match her Cartier and Ariel Gordon accessories. The outfit was critiqued for its fit and casualness.
This led to comments such as "Dressed inappropriately" and "Put some clothes on miss." Visible undergarments were also pointed out, adding to the unfavorable reception: "She still hasn't learned to wear a shaper under her clingy clothes. You can see her underwear lines!!" Another user lamented, "She looks like she is going to a yacht to entertain guests, lol."
Meghan Markle on stage at a Women in Leadership event co-hosted with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The fifth dress was seen at a State Dinner. In contrast to her previous outfits, Meghan's Carolina Herrera silk overlay column gown received positive feedback during the state dinner. She paired the look with all of her previously mentioned wrist accessories and added an Aurate necklace to the mix.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the State Governor House in Lagos, Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The elegant yellow gown was complimented with remarks like "Thank God someone had got her an appropriate dress much better. Has been a complete cringe fest!" and "Meghan looks lovely in yellow."
One netizen also tweeted, "Meghan is so beautiful her outfits are so perfect 🤩 anyone on here posting anything negative is just jealous."
Nigeria Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa, his wife Lilian Musa, Lagos State Governor wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at the State Governor House in Lagos on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, amid the praise, there were also speculations about her possible pregnancy, with one person commenting, "Is she going to announce she's pregnant in this dress?" Another fan simply asked, "Is she pregnant again?"
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the State Governor House in Lagos, Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Each of the five shoulder-baring dresses Meghan wore not only showcased her personal style but also ignited conversations about cultural sensitivity, appropriateness, and the expectations placed on figures in the public eye while abroad.