Harry and Meghan’s next tour could tarnish the Sussexes' image

Royal expert warns that without purpose, Prince Harry and Meghan's quasi-royal tours might lead to ridicule.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has claimed that another quasi-royal tour could make the Sussexes objects of mockery.

Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, undertook a de facto royal tour of Nigeria. 

During their 72-hour visit, they attended various events and engagements and interacted with fans and locals. 

Meghan's discovery of her Nigerian heritage, which she revealed on her now-defunct podcast "Archetypes" in October 2022, was the impetus for their trip.

Fitzwilliams told The Mirror that embarking on another faux royal tour might expose the Sussexes to ridicule. 

He pointed out that although they were initially thought to be well-suited for tours, especially those related to the Commonwealth, their departure from royal duties changed that perception. 

"Returning on their terms, but without a purpose, would be meaningless," Fitzwilliams said.

Fitzwilliams acknowledged that the Nigeria trip was "undoubtedly a high-profile success" but emphasized that the couple would need a legitimate reason for future visits. 

He also noted that while there is enthusiasm in Ghana for a potential Sussex visit, such a trip would require justification. 

Unlike Nigeria, which is involved with the Invictus Games and provided government security for the Sussexes, Ghana does not share the same connections, nor does Meghan have Ghanaian ancestry.