Meghan Markle called Nigeria “my country” as she spoke about her background during her engagement this weekend.
On Saturday, the Duchess of Sussex co-hosted a Women in Leadership event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
During the conversation, the mother of two said it had been “eye-opening” and “humbling” to learn more about her heritage during her three-day trip with Prince Harry.
“I want to start by thanking you so much for the kindness with which you all welcomed my husband and I to this country…my country,” Markle, 42, said at the event.
“I’m just flattered, honored and inspired. It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours since our arrival.
“And I very quickly got the message that I needed to wear more colors, so I could fit in with all of you and your amazing fashion,” she added.
The “Suits” alum opened up about what it’s been like to delve into her journey.
“Never in a million years would I understand it as much as I do today,” she told the audience.
“And what’s been said so much over the last few days is, ‘Oh, we’re not that surprised when we found out you’re Nigerian.'”
“It’s a compliment to you because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous and beautiful,” the former actress added.
At one point, the public was asked to come up with a Nigerian name for the Duchess.
One person suggested “Ifeoma” – a name from the Igbo tribe meaning “a precious thing”.
Another said “Omowale” – a name originating from the Yoruba tribe meaning “the child has come home”.
In 2022, Markle told her listeners of the “Archetypes” podcast that she recently discovered she was “43% Nigerian” after taking an ancestry test.
And at the opening ceremony of last year’s Invictus Games in Germany, Harry referenced his wife’s heritage.
“Now, I’m not saying we’re playing favorites at home, but since my wife found out she’s of Nigerian descent, it’ll probably get a little more competitive this year,” he said at the time.
The Sussexes, who left royal life in 2020, were invited to Nigeria by the West African country’s chief of defense staff, its most senior officer.
New York Post
