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Reason why Prince Harry and Meghan took free flights to Nigeria from 'wanted airline boss'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's free flights in Nigeria spark controversy amid airline owner's legal issues, refuted by source close to Harry.

Published on: May 22, 2024, 09:49:22 IST
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent trip to Nigeria raised a few eyebrows after reports surfaced that their internal flights in the West African country were provided free of charge by an airline whose owner faces serious legal charges in the United States. The Sussexes, basking in the success of their African tour, soon were lambasted for their 'controversial' choice of travel during the three-day stay in the country. However, a source close to Prince Harry has refuted these claims, stating that their travel was arranged by a high-ranking Nigerian official and has nothing to do with the estranged royals' personal preference.

Harry’s free Nigerian flight ‘was not his choice’

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Wellington, Fla. Prince Harry, co-founding patron of the Sentebale charity, will play on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (AP)
Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Wellington, Fla. Prince Harry, co-founding patron of the Sentebale charity, will play on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (AP)

Following the return of the Sussexes to California after touring the African country as part of their Invictus commitments, multiple reports cited how The Duke and Duchess were flown in and around the country on a private jet owned by Dr. Allen Onyema. Known for operating one of the biggest airlines in Nigeria, Air Peace, the boss is ‘wanted’ in the US, with allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars looming over him.

Also read: Prince Harry ‘ready to forgive’ Royal family but ‘tables have turned’ as King and William are…

Dr. Allen Onyema is “the subject of a US federal indictment filed back in November 2019.”Post cited the statement of the US Department of Justice, “Charged with bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of aeroplanes.”

Also read: Prince Harry and Meghan enjoy ‘wine-filled’ double date with A-list couple to celebrate 6th anniversary

Harry ditches Royal Wedding as William plays usher

After their return to the US, the guest list for the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, stirred up a lot of attention. Reportedly, neither Harry nor Meghan were included in the list despite their close bond with Hugh. Meanwhile, William is set to play a key role in ushering in the marriage next month. Some experts suggest that Harry willingly declined the invitation to attend Archie’s godfather's wedding, as he doesn’t want the royal rift to overshadow such a happy event. On the other hand, King Charles and Kate are believed to have politely declined the invitation due to their respective cancer treatments.

 
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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