It was an emotional moment when Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex hugged an athlete, Glory Essien, and described her as my ‘Nigerian sister’.
The scene took place at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, where Markle also reunited with her husband, Prince Harry, after some months of living apart.
According to Daily Mail, The Duchess took centre stage and gave an emotional address to 1,600 competitors, friends, and family at the event as she saluted all those attending the games, set up by her husband, Prince Harry for wounded and disabled military veterans.
Among those she greeted beforehand was competitor Glory Essien, who she hugged and told: ‘You’re my Nigerian sister!’
At the opening ceremony, husband Prince Harry revealed that his wife was cheering on the African nation as he discovered she is 43% Nigerian.
Recall Meghan revealed on her Archetypes podcast in 2022 joined by comedians Issa Rae and Ziwe Fumudoh that a genealogy test she did years back had shown her link to the African country.
Nigeria joined Colombia and Israel in sending their first-ever delegation to the 2023 games for injured, sick, and wounded veterans.
The prince’s reference to his wife’s newfound link with Nigeria was met with applause and an excited reaction from the crowd, including the Nigerian delegation.
“We’re really excited to have new nations join us. Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel and Nigeria,” Harry told the thousands gathered for the event.
“Now, I’m not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she is of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year!”