Outrage over Prince Harry's ‘in-laws’ remark amid Meghan Markle family rift

Prince Harry faces social media criticism for remarks made during his visit to Nigeria, where he and Meghan Markle were invited to the Lagos State Government House on Sunday. 

In his speech, the 39-year-old Duke of Sussex addressed the gathered audience as "in-laws," expressing gratitude for the warm welcome to Nigeria and stating it was their "first visit" but not their last. 

However, his choice of words ignited debate online, with some questioning why he referred to the crowd as "in-laws” when he lacks a relationship with Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr., or her siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jr.

A critic wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "he is so desperate to find a family that he's willing to go above and beyond, journey people his in-laws he has in-laws. He has a father-in-law is a mother-in-law, and he has a stepsister and step-brother-in-law. Oh yeah, he disowned everybody."

Another critic added: "Harry, traitor to his own family, hasn't even met his actual father-in-law, who has begged to see him, Meghan, and his grandchildren. This is truly appalling."

But others pointed out that Harry meant it as a joke and came to the Duke's defence with a user writing, "Harry again being treated better than his own father & brother treat him, who announced to the UK media they would snub him, won't see him, too busy, can't stay in any of our many castles/palaces. The Nigerians have embraced H&M like family."