Abuja, Nigeria – Duchess Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed a surprising family discovery during her visit to Nigeria. A DNA test taken in October 2022 indicated that she is 43% Nigerian, a revelation she described as “humbling.”
The Duchess spoke openly about her newfound heritage on the second day of her trip, which included promoting mental health initiatives for veterans and young girls alongside Prince Harry.
“It’s been eye-opening to be able to know more about my heritage,” Meghan told a gathering of female leaders co-hosted by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerian Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
The Duchess’s newfound connection resonated with the audience. When asked how she felt about being the first African-descended woman to lead the WTO, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala echoed the sentiment, stating, “When I will feel right is when we stop saying ‘the first woman to do this.'”
Meghan also participated in a lighthearted exchange where the audience suggested Nigerian names for her. “Ifeoma,” meaning “a treasured thing” in Igbo, was a popular suggestion.
The visit wasn’t all serious discussions. The Duchess also cheered on Prince Harry’s Invictus Games team during a volleyball match against the Nigerian military. Despite the loss, the couple was met with warmth and admiration by players, families, and a group of women who presented Meghan with a traditional Nigerian fabric.
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