Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Nigeria trip left King Charles and the Prince William absolutely furious', royal author claims

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria has been characterized by royal expert Tom Quinn as a significant declaration of their refusal to relinquish their roles as working royals. Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn suggested that the 72-hour trip, which included all the hallmarks of an official royal visit—such as receptions, school and charity visits, and meetings with wounded soldiers and disabled individuals—has exacerbated tensions within the British royal family. He claimed that this trip "confirmed the worst fears" for the Duke of Sussex's family and left King Charles and Prince William "absolutely furious."

Speaking to The Mirror , author Tom Quinn remarked that the whistlestop 72-hour visit 'confirmed the worst fears' for the Duke of Sussex 's family

Quinn's comments highlight the friction between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, emphasizing the perception that Harry and Meghan are still conducting themselves with the gravitas and protocol expected of working royals. This approach appears to have been perceived as a deliberate effort to maintain their royal status, much to the consternation of King Charles and Prince William.

Tom said that Harry and Meghan appear to have 'gone rogue' - and claimed that the Firm has been worried they would 'try to pull a fast one'. William and Charles pictured earlier this month 

Tom Quinn further commented on the Sussexes' visit, stating that "Meghan and Harry's speeches and their whole attitude have been designed to give the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals," a stance that reportedly frustrates King Charles and Prince William. Quinn characterized Harry and Meghan's actions as "going rogue," suggesting that the royal family has long been concerned about the couple's potential to operate independently of traditional royal protocols.

Sources within the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed to MailOnline that Harry and Meghan were 'visiting Nigeria in a private capacity', with the UK Government 'not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme'

Quinn elaborated that, from the perspective of Charles and William, it seems as though Harry and Meghan are asserting their independence with a message that they can conduct themselves as royals without needing permission from the monarchy. This sentiment was underscored by the nature of their visit, which bore many similarities to an official royal tour, with engagements and activities that mimicked those typically undertaken by active members of the royal family.

But while Harry and Meghan quit as senior royals in 2020, their visit had various similarities to foreign trips undertaken by working members of the Royal Family

However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex conducted their trip to Nigeria very much on their own terms. They were invited by the Nigerian military for the three-day visit, which indicates a private rather than an official engagement. Sources within the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed to MailOnline that Harry and Meghan were "visiting Nigeria in a private capacity," and the UK Government was "not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme."

The California-based label's dress was also released as part of a collection in 2018, which is the year Harry and Meghan married at Windsor Castle

Despite stepping down as senior royals in 2020, their visit bore many similarities to the foreign trips typically undertaken by working members of the Royal Family. The structure and activities of their visit, such as receptions, school and charity visits, and meetings with wounded soldiers, mirrored the engagements that are characteristic of official royal tours. This has led to perceptions that they are still leveraging their royal status and performing royal-like duties, even as they navigate their new roles outside the official framework of the monarchy.

Royal expert Michael Cole told MailOnline that although the couple's visit to Nigeria was "a private visit by two royal personages," they "exploited their royal status to the very limit and in every way, trying to give the impression that it was the real thing." He noted that while the Sussexes' trip "wasn't a state visit, an official visit or a royal tour," it had the appearance of a "tour proposed by Buckingham Palace and sanctioned by the British government." Cole added that the couple "succeeded to such an extent that they will return to California well satisfied with their three days in Nigeria."

Royal expert Michael Cole told MailOnline that although the couple were on 'a private visit by two royal personages', they 'exploited their royal status to the very limit and in every way, trying to give the impression that it was the real thing'

During their visit, the Sussexes engaged in cultural events, a trip to a polo club, met with injured soldiers at a military hospital, and participated in adaptive sports. This itinerary reinforced the semblance of a royal tour, blurring the lines between their new private roles and their former public duties.

Former Mail On Sunday royal correspondent Charlotte Wace wrote in The Times that despite the similarities to their tours before stepping back as working royals in 2020, there were notable differences. She highlighted that the press pack was replaced by one reporter and one photographer, and that Harry and Meghan represented themselves rather than the monarch, giving them the freedom to choose their schedule. Wace observed fewer formalities and more selfies compared to previous trips.

Additionally, Meghan's fashion choices drew attention, including a striking backless dress by US designer Heidi Merrick called "The Windsor." This dress, released as part of a 2018 collection—the year Harry and Meghan married at Windsor Castle—served as a subtle nod to their royal connections.