by The Duchess of Sussex kept her promise to “wear more colour” on Sunday as she changed into a bright yellow dress to meet the Governor of Lagos State in Nigeria.
The 42-year-old wore the Carolina Herrera ankle-length “Yellow Silk Overlay Column Dress” that she wore in 2021 to announce her pregnancy with Princess Lilibet.
She was also pictured wearing the outfit in a social media post to mark Prince Archie’s first birthday in May 2020.
On Saturday, the Duchess said: “I’m really excited [had] I quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colors so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible ways. I’m very happy.”
She changed into the dress for a private meeting with the Governor of Lagos State, Babjide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday afternoon.
Inside, the Duke and Duchess discussed mental health, the Invictus Games and their visit to the country.
As they came out onto the lawn in front of the Marina State House, Banks had an extra shawl to match the dress – a gift from the Governor’s wife.
“For Prince Harry it was a very interesting and informative trip to the country,” said Mr Sanwo-Olu. “He’s seen a lot and he’s still laughing a lot. One of the things we hope he takes away from him, is that he sees the diversity and the greatness of our country and how we continue to make sure that we live together in peace and harmony.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu said he invited the couple to return.
“We are happy with what they are doing for military men and mental health problems and mental illness,” he said and spoke of encouraging support to ensure that “people who need the support in the military and in the private sector will be able to seek support. The denial, the stigma is one of the things we talked about.”
He said, “On behalf of all of us in Lagos we are excited, we are happy that you are with us this evening.”
The Duke and Duchess were welcomed to the basketball court of Ilupeju Senior Grammar School, with a series of street dances.
Masai Ujiri, former NBA professional and former chairman and vice president of Giants of Africa, wished the Duchess a “happy, happy Mother’s Day”, prompting the Duke to stand up and applaud all the women in room.
Mr. Ujiri told the crowd: “It is difficult for us sometimes to be away from our children and family to accomplish things like this. But that shows dedication. To find something like this and dedicate yourself is really appreciated so thank you again.”
The Sussexes were there to unveil a partnership between their Archewell Foundation and Giants of Africa which uses sport – particularly basketball – to empower and engage young people.
The Duchess revealed that she first heard about the charity while living in Toronto, where she filmed the American legal drama Suits.
“[It was] the first time I heard about Giants of Africa – talk about full circle – I never thought we’d be here years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organization,” she said. “We are very grateful and proud of all the work you are doing.”
The Duchess added: “We can’t wait to see you play.
“Don’t tempt me to do any basketball, my husband is the athletic guy. Thank you, we are glad to be here. And let’s have a fun evening.”
Taking the microphone, the Duke praised the work of the charity: “What you are doing here at Giants of Africa is amazing.”
“Sport specific. The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates communities and there are no barriers and that’s the most important thing. It is wonderful to see each and every one of you here today, sitting on this court. I know you are ready to go. And we’re going to get those balls out and you’re going to show us how good you are.”
The Duke then proceeded to the court and participated in some ball bouncing drills.
As the event wound down, he took a shot and scored.
On Saturday evening, the Duchess spoke at a women’s leadership event where she thanked her hosts for welcoming “my country”. She previously revealed that she discovered she was “43 percent Nigerian” in a genealogy test.
Describing Nigerian women as “brave, resilient, courageous, powerful, beautiful”, the Duchess said: “The best thing is to be in that company, to be in your company.”
She added: “It’s been an eye-opener to be able to find out more about my heritage, and being able to find out is just the beginning of that discovery.
Appearing at the event, alongside Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, the Duchess also spoke about how much she loved being a mother.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a mother,” she said. “And I’m lucky to have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty and sweet children.”
