Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hit back at claims they were given free flights around Nigeria by an airline company whose boss is reportedly wanted in the United States.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Nigeria for three days nearly two weeks ago to champion mental health initiatives for soldiers and empower young people as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Harry and Meghan attended several events around the country and while British Airways was their choice for international travel, the courtesy flights within Nigeria were provided by Air Peace.
But according to the Mail, the founder of Air Peace is Dr. Allen Onyema, who faces “multiple charges linked to millions of dollars’ worth of alleged fraud set down in a federal indictment filed in November 2019”.
Now a source close to the Sussex couple has defended them and dismissed the allegations, saying their travel within the West African nation was organised by the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff.
Speaking to the Daily Beast, the source pointed out that Air Peace is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, and has daily flights from Lagos to Britain’s London Gatwick airport.
The indictment alleges that Onyema used his status as a business leader and airline executive to launder more than £16million ($20million) from Nigeria through US bank accounts, according to the outlet.
However, there is no suggestion that Harry or Meghan were aware of the charges against the airline owner.
It comes as the couple were blasted for their latest trip by a royal commentator who claimed the move was “very dangerous” and accused them of wanting to “take over” from King Charles.
Author Angela Levin told GB News that the Sussex couple want to go on more ‘unofficial royal tours’ and “take over from the King and the Family because it’s difficult for them at the moment.”
Overall, the trip was labelled a success by many royal watchers, while others dubbed it an “unofficial royal tour”.
Meanwhile, the couple hinted their Nigeria trip was not an isolated event, suggesting more such tours are being planned.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
