In the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the British newspaper, Daily Mail, has come under fire for its coverage, which many have deemed as derogatory and hateful.
Despite the couple’s noble intention to support wounded and sick service members and veterans, including Nigerian soldiers battling Islamic extremists, Daily Mail’s reports have drawn criticism for their tone and content.
In a report published on Saturday, the newspaper described Prince Harry as resembling “African royalty” after he was photographed accepting a portrait of Princess Diana from Kaduna State governor, Senator Ubah Sani. The report also highlighted Harry’s attire in traditional Hausa clothing, presented to him during the visit.
Furthermore, Daily Mail faced backlash for its portrayal of Meghan Markle in a report on Monday, where she was labeled as the ‘new princess’ of Nigeria after being honored as ‘Ada Mazi’—a title meaning ‘daughter of an aristocrat’—of the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom. Many critics viewed this characterization as derogatory and unfitting of a reputable publication.
The naming ceremony, attended by three kings, saw Meghan expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her. She wore a golden sash symbolizing the Ada Mazi title and was visibly moved by the experience, particularly on Mother’s Day.
However, Daily Mail’s coverage has sparked controversy, with accusations of cultural insensitivity and perpetuation of stereotypes. The newspaper’s refusal to temper its narrative despite mounting criticism has drawn sharp rebukes from observers.
The visit to Nigeria holds significance for Meghan, who previously revealed her Nigerian heritage, stating she discovered through a DNA-based test that she has Nigerian ancestry.
As discussions surrounding cultural appropriation and respectful representation continue, Daily Mail’s approach to reporting on Harry and Meghan’s visit underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by the couple and the media’s role in shaping public perception.
