NEWS
June 4, 24
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By James Kay
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Meghan Markle is "deeply humbled" by her new Nigerian name following her visit recently, as she thanks a Yoruba King for welcoming her "home".
Meghan and Prince Harry undertook a three-day trip to Nigeria last month, where they focused on learning more about the duch*ess's heritage and promoting the Invictus Games.
While in Nigeria, the Duke and duch*ess of Sussex visited local schools, enjoyed a sitdown volleyball game with the Nigeria Unconquered, and the former Suits star even spoke at a Women in Leadership event, per the Daily Mail.
At the Women in Leadership event, Meghan delightfully revealed that she was "43% Nigerian".
The Duke and duch*ess of Sussex in Nigeria. Credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty
"Being African-American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically," she told the audience and fellow panelists. “And it was exciting for both of us to discover more and understand what that really means.”
During the visit, the couple met the Oluwo of Iwo, a Yoruba King.
The King bestowed upon Meghan the Yoruba name Adetokunbo, which translates to "the crown or royalty from a foreign land."
In a heartfelt letter shared by the King on social media, Meghan thanked him for his warm welcome and the honor of receiving a Nigerian name.
"I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo," Meghan wrote. "I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity."
Her letter continued: "Our visit to Nigeria was important to many reasons, not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children.We look forward to coming back home one day soon."
As previously reported, Meghan was also bestowed another title while in Nigeria.
In a touching ceremony, the 42-year-old duch*ess of Sussex was bestowed with the honor of being recognized as "Ada Mazi" - a title signifying the "daughter of an aristocrat" in the esteemed Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.
The event saw the participation of three esteemed Kings: His Eminence Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and the Great Olu Of Warri Kingdom.
Meghan expressed her gratitude - especially as it was Mother's Day - acknowledging the absence of her children and expressing her joy at being in the motherland.
Meghan speaking at the Women In Leadership event. Credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty
Adorned with a golden sash bearing the Ada Mazi title and holding a fabric depicting the 'Oru-Arochukwu' insignia, Meghan said: "I'm very very grateful I'm very humbled.
"And today is Mother's Day so it feels appropriate - because of course we are missing our children, I'm missing my babies - it feels really good to be in the motherland.
"Thank you so much for the titles and really beautiful names. We can't wait to come back, thank you so much."
Featured image credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty
NEWS
June 4, 24
Save
By James Kay
Article saved!Article saved!
Meghan Markle is "deeply humbled" by her new Nigerian name following her visit recently, as she thanks a Yoruba King for welcoming her "home".
Meghan and Prince Harry undertook a three-day trip to Nigeria last month, where they focused on learning more about the duch*ess's heritage and promoting the Invictus Games.
While in Nigeria, the Duke and duch*ess of Sussex visited local schools, enjoyed a sitdown volleyball game with the Nigeria Unconquered, and the former Suits star even spoke at a Women in Leadership event, per the Daily Mail.
At the Women in Leadership event, Meghan delightfully revealed that she was "43% Nigerian".
The Duke and duch*ess of Sussex in Nigeria. Credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty
"Being African-American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically," she told the audience and fellow panelists. “And it was exciting for both of us to discover more and understand what that really means.”
During the visit, the couple met the Oluwo of Iwo, a Yoruba King.
The King bestowed upon Meghan the Yoruba name Adetokunbo, which translates to "the crown or royalty from a foreign land."
In a heartfelt letter shared by the King on social media, Meghan thanked him for his warm welcome and the honor of receiving a Nigerian name.
"I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo," Meghan wrote. "I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity."
Her letter continued: "Our visit to Nigeria was important to many reasons, not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children.We look forward to coming back home one day soon."
As previously reported, Meghan was also bestowed another title while in Nigeria.
In a touching ceremony, the 42-year-old duch*ess of Sussex was bestowed with the honor of being recognized as "Ada Mazi" - a title signifying the "daughter of an aristocrat" in the esteemed Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.
The event saw the participation of three esteemed Kings: His Eminence Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and the Great Olu Of Warri Kingdom.
Meghan expressed her gratitude - especially as it was Mother's Day - acknowledging the absence of her children and expressing her joy at being in the motherland.
Meghan speaking at the Women In Leadership event. Credit: Andrew Esiebo/Getty
Adorned with a golden sash bearing the Ada Mazi title and holding a fabric depicting the 'Oru-Arochukwu' insignia, Meghan said: "I'm very very grateful I'm very humbled.
"And today is Mother's Day so it feels appropriate - because of course we are missing our children, I'm missing my babies - it feels really good to be in the motherland.
"Thank you so much for the titles and really beautiful names. We can't wait to come back, thank you so much."
