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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allowed to keep over 20 gifts from Nigeria tour — but working royals can’t

Nika Shakhnazarova
3 min read
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allowed to keep over 20 gifts from Nigeria tour -- but working royals can't
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allowed to keep over 20 gifts from Nigeria tour -- but working royals can't
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Nigeria Monday — but the pair did not go empty-handed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex headed back to their two children in Montecito, California, this week following their three-day tour of the West African country.

And since they’re no longer senior working members of the royal family, the many gifts the pair received boarded the plane with them.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Nigeria Monday — but the pair did not go empty-handed. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Nigeria Monday — but the pair did not go empty-handed. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation

During their brief trip, the Sussexes were showered with an array of gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing, to jewelry and literature.

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Had the pair remained firmly within the royal family, they would not be allowed to accept any of the presents gifted to them.

According to the official royal policy, last updated in 2003, royals are not allowed to accept gifts from government bodies, trade associations, guilds, civic bodies, the armed services, charities or similar organizations, especially if they have an established connection or patronage.

Gifts from individuals not known to the royals are to be refused, “where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself.”

Presents such as flowers, food and books are allowed to be accepted if they amount to less than $200 each.

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A strict royal record is kept of all official gifts handed to the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this week headed back to Montecito, California, following their three-day tour of the West African country. AFP via Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this week headed back to Montecito, California, following their three-day tour of the West African country. AFP via Getty Images
The pair were seen wearing traditional wooden beaded necklaces that were gifted to them upon arrival. AFP via Getty Images
The pair were seen wearing traditional wooden beaded necklaces that were gifted to them upon arrival. AFP via Getty Images

Most gifts are housed under the Royal Collection or placed on a loan with a reputable organization.

Upon arrival in Nigeria Thursday, the Harry received two paintings — one of which showed him and his late mother, Princess Diana.

Another portrait, gifted by the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, featured Harry and Meghan.

During their brief trip, the Sussexes were showered with an array of gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing, to jewelry and literature. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
During their brief trip, the Sussexes were showered with an array of gifts, ranging from artwork and clothing, to jewelry and literature. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation

Elsewhere, Harry received a a traditional Nigerian waistcoat, as well as a Hula cap — which he needed help putting on.

On Day 2 of their tour, the “Suits” alum, 42, was gifted a drawing, depicting wildlife, as well as a bouquet of roses from a little girl.

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And as the pair sat down to watch a volleyball match take place, the pair each received traditional scarves that boasted the colors of the Nigerian flag.

Since Meghan and Harry are no longer senior working members of the royal family, they were allowed to accept gifts. AFP via Getty Images
Since Meghan and Harry are no longer senior working members of the royal family, they were allowed to accept gifts. AFP via Getty Images

The pair later received complete Nigerian outfits from their hosts. Harry’s outfit featured a shirt and hat.

What’s more, they were given their own personalized T-shirts, each emblazoned with “Harry Dreams Big” and “Meghan Dreams Big.”

On the final day of their tour, the former actress, who referred to Nigeria as “my country” during her visit, wore a stunning yellow Carolina Herrera gown.

To complement her outfit, the wife of the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gifted her a matching shawl.

What’s more, they were also given their own personalized T-shirts. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
What’s more, they were also given their own personalized T-shirts. Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation

The mom of two also received traditional Nigerian coral drop earrings, as well as traditional wooden beaded necklaces, which both she and Harry wore.

As they departed, Harry was given a large mirror that featured a painting of the couple on the back.

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