Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have caused controversy with their upcoming trip to Nigeria, with some royal experts concerned it could damage the Royal Family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of trying to rival the Royal Family with their trip to Nigeria, with one expert worried it might damage ties to the Commonwealth.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be travelling to the African country later this month. During their trip, they will take part in cultural activities, meet with service members and attend talks about the Invictus Games. Nigeria’s Brigadier General Tukur Gusau has said he is “honoured and delighted” to be welcoming the couple.

However, royal author Phil Dampier believes Harry and Meghan are at risk of crushing the Royal Family’s ties to the Commonwealth. He suggested the visit seemed “ironic” given the couple’s past criticism of the Commonwealth.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could cause trouble for the Royal Family ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Phil said: “It’s ironic that the late Queen wanted Harry and Meghan to very much be her ambassadors throughout the Commonwealth and spread goodwill among its fifty or so nations, but they didn’t want to do it as royals.

“Now they are happy to pick and choose invitations they receive from these countries.” He also suggested the Sussexes are trying “to set up a rival court, their own royal roadshow.”

The expert claimed they are using “their royal connections” for unofficial visits that could “blunder into a diplomatic incident” if they do something wrong. Royal author Tom Bower agreed and suggested Harry and Meghan are “playing the royal card”.

They’ll be visiting Nigeria later this month ( 
Image:
Getty Images for the Invictus Ga)
He told the publication: “Once again, the ‘privacy-seeking’ couple are exploiting the family they have outrageously denounced to pump up their publicity. Undoubtedly, the trip will be financed by the Nigerian government. Their motives, as members of the Commonwealth, remain obscure.”

Harry and Meghan’s trip to Nigeria will take place after the Duke of Sussex returns to London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Harry is due back in the UK on May 8 for a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

A statement published on the Invictus Games’ social media accounts read: “The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th. We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion.”