During their visit to Nigeria last week, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stopped by the Lightway Academy in Abuja, with the Duchess of Sussex, 42, donning a radiant peach-colored maxi dress that perfectly accentuated her glow. As they greeted fans, played with children and took selfies, the couple received a warm reception and were even treated to a military welcome later in the day.
During a visit to a school earlier that day on May 10th, Meghan imparted some words of wisdom to the schoolgirls, telling them that she saw a part of herself in all of them. For the occasion, the former Archetypes podcast host wore the Heidi Merrick maxi dress with summery sandals by Emme Parsons.
Meghan Markle Shines In A Peachy Heidi Merrick Maxi Dress With A Backless Design In Nigeria
To accessorize, the mom of two opted for a shimmering gold wristlet and matching statement earrings. As for her glam, the Suits alum wore her brunette tresses in an elegant low ponytail, styled into loose waves with tendrils framing the sides of her face.
At the school backed by their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes discussed mental health, with Meghan urging the students to openly communicate with one another and "be honest."
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The Spare author, 39, also told them: "If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you going to do? Are you going to check in on them? Are you going to ask them if they're OK? Because it's OK not to be OK."
He then gave the mic to his wife who gushed: "Do you see why I married him? He's so smart. And so inspiring because he speaks the truth."
After arriving in Abuja, they paid a visit to the school approximately five hours later. Following their visit, they proceeded to their next engagement at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters.
Speaking to the children, Meghan added: "As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well. So it is a complete honor to have our first visit to Nigeria, be here with all of you."
She continued: "We believe in all of you, we believe in your futures, we believe in your ability to continue telling your stories and to just be honest with each other. There is no need to suffer in silence. Just make sure that you're taking care of yourselves."
During his own speech on mental health, Harry shared his own personal experiences, recounting the difficult time he endured after the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana.
He expressed empathy for those who have similarly suffered a loss in their family and struggle with finding support or guidance during their grief.
He spoke out to anyone who "lost a loved one in your family and you don't know who to turn to or who to speak to" and noted that there is "no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day."
Harry continued: "You can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day." The Duke inquired about a child's age and upon learning that they were five, he remarked that his own son Archie is also the same age.
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Meghan confirmed that Archie recently turned five. In addition, she shared that their 2-year-old daughter Lilibet enjoys dancing, speculating that perhaps it's due to her love of "jumping around."
A lively dance ensemble and a group of enthusiastic students and educators then warmly welcomed them.
After spending an hour inside the Defence HQ, Meghan and Harry emerged to a joyous crowd of locals, who cheered and extended their hands in greeting.
