Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met with Save the Children staff in the Nigerian capital Abuja last week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were invited to an event by the charity’s global ambassador, director and activist Misan Harriman.
At the event, Meghan and Harry were introduced to two youth ambassadors, Maryam (23) and Purity (19), who spoke about their work addressing issues ranging from child marriage to gender-based violence, access to education and healthcare, and the plight of internally displaced children.
Maryam and Purity said: “It was an immense privilege to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to Abuja – for us and for the children and young people in Nigeria that we represent.
“Together, we spoke about our work as Save the Children Youth Ambassadors to ensure that children stay safe, learning and healthy – and the importance of having young people’s voices at the heart of decision-making when those decisions affect our future. We know the scale of the issues children face here – but we will not stop fighting for a Nigeria in which all children go to school, and all have access to life-saving immunisations against disease.”
Prince Harry and Meghan’s non-profit organisation, the Archewell Foundation, donated funds to Save the Children for the humanitarian flood response in Nigeria in 2022.
Gemma Sherrington, UK CEO for Save the Children, said: “We’re honoured that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took time out of their busy schedule in Nigeria to learn about the work Save the Children does, alongside our youth advocates and partners, to ensure children don’t just survive but thrive.
“Child Champions and Youth Ambassadors are the beating heart of our work in Nigeria so for two of them to have this opportunity to speak with Prince Harry and Meghan, and to shine a spotlight on their tireless advocacy to protect the rights of children, is phenomenal.
Last week, Harry was seen chatting and playing games with bereaved military children as he made a surprise visit to a charity event in London.
Harry spent the afternoon with 50 children and young people, aged between six and 22, who have experienced the death of a military parent.
He took part in games – including one which saw the duke use a straw to transport Smarties as quickly as possible – and spoke to the youngsters as part of the fun-filled event hosted in London by Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Harry also spent time talking to nine members from Scotty’s Council, a group of young people who represent the charity’s other members, who discussed their experiences of growing up without a parent.
