Sunday Express

Harry takes a seat for volleyball tussle

- Mike Parker Pictures: KOLA SULAIMON/AFP

PRINCE Harry was floored – literally – as he and Meghan Markle delighted crowds during their tour of Nigeria.

The Duke of Sussex hit the ground when he joined an exhibition sittingvol­leyball match with disabled veterans in the West African nation’s capital of Abuja.

He and his wife, who was earlier presented with a red rose by a shy schoolgirl, roared their support while posing with both teams before Harry joined the fray.

The couple’s visit is part of this year’s celebratio­n of the 10th anniversar­y of Harry’s Invictus Games for disabled ex-servicemen and women, which Nigeria is bidding to host in the future.

Harry, 39, attended a service at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral last week to mark the anniversar­y but failed to meet with his cancer-stricken father King Charles, who was a mere two miles away at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Meghan, 42, was not with him and did not even technicall­y set foot in Britain, meeting him in the VIP lounge at Heathrow for a six-hour connecting flight to Nigeria, where they

By are guests of its Chief of Defence

Staff General Christophe­r Musa, who has provided them with added security alongside their own four-man team which they have paid for themselves. Thousands have lined the streets to greet the couple on the whirlwind tour in temperatur­es as high as 35C.

Before yesterday’s sitting-volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquere­d, a local charity that supports wounded, injured and sick former military personnel, the Duke and Duchess were presented with traditiona­l costume items during a reception at the Nigerian Defence Headquarte­rs.

Harry seemed particular­ly impressed with a traditiona­l cap known as an agbada – and a day earlier he had worn a green suit, while Meghan was in an all-white outfit to reflect the colours of the country’s national flag during their first meeting with General Musa.

They are expected to fly back to their home in California tomorrow.

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 ?? ?? PRESENT: Couple receive a traditiona­l cap at gala in Nigerian capital Abuja
PRESENT: Couple receive a traditiona­l cap at gala in Nigerian capital Abuja
 ?? ?? WARMING UP: Harry and Meghan with sitting-volleyball players yesterday
WARMING UP: Harry and Meghan with sitting-volleyball players yesterday
 ?? ?? PRESENT: Meghan is given flowers. Below, Harry plays volleyball
PRESENT: Meghan is given flowers. Below, Harry plays volleyball

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