'HEALING PLACE'
Prince Harry reveals NEW job ‘gives him goosebumps’ as he & Meghan bid to ‘save their image’ with ‘rival’ royal family
It comes as more 'faux-Royal' trips could be on the horizon
PRINCE Harry has "goosebumps" over his new job - as he and Meghan Markle try to 'save their image' with 'rival' royal family.
The Duke of Sussex has revealed exciting new plans for a lavish Invictus Games centre in Abuja, Nigeria.
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It intends to provide a safe space for veterans recovering from both physical and mental struggles, as reported by People.
A description of the future haven reads: "The Invictus Centre stands as a testament to the unwavering courage and fortitude of wounded, injured or sick soldiers, offering them a sanctuary of healing, hope, and empowerment."
It will help them heal but also is telling them they are not being left alone
Kobina Banning
Harry spoke about the innovative project during his Nigeria trip with Meghan earlier this month.
He told a reception, held by the Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Musa, how the forward-thinking centre aimed to reduce the stigma around injuries.
"This is what the new centre you're building is all about. Seeing the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps," said the dad-of-two.
The duke also praised Nigeria's team in the games and said they "represented their service and this country, extraordinarily - won medals and came back with smiles on their faces."
'HEALING, HOPE AND RENEWAL'
Architect Kobina Banning told People: "This space will be a healing place for veterans."
He explained how Nigeria has the largest army in Africa, and the new centre will "give more hope" to those who serve.
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"It will help them heal but also is telling them they are not being left alone," Kobina added.
The architect, who joined Harry and Meghan for much of their trip, described his future creation.
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He said the "timeless beauty and functionality" will allow soldiers to experience a "transformative journey of healing, hope and renewal".
Veterans will be able to enjoy tranquil gardens with breathtaking surrounding scenery.
There are indoor and outdoor gyms, as well as spaces to meet with family and friends.
The description added: "Here, amidst the embrace of nature and community, lives are transformed, and the human spirit soars ever higher, undaunted by the challenges that lie ahead.”
RIVAL ROYALS
It comes as a royal expert claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in a desperate bid to save their image.
The couple have just returned from their three-day Nigeria trip - which has since been dubbed a "faux-Royal tour".
Their visit began with a visit to Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in the capital.
This was followed by a stint at Nigeria's defence HQ on Friday to meet military wives and senior officials.
It is always unwise to underestimate the Sussexes because you never quite know what is coming next
Richard Fitzwilliams
Harry partook in some volleyball the next day, before Meghan referred to Nigeria as "my country".
Now, a royal expert believes "an alternative royal family is emerging", after many fans compared the trip to a royal tour.
Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show with Matt Wilkinson, Gareth Russell said: "To all intents and purposes that is a real possibility.
"The problem for the Sussexes is that once you start doing anything like that, people become a lot more critical of what you do outside that - like commercial endeavours or quasi-royal tours.
"People will put them under more of a microscope because they're calling it 'The Office of Harry and Meghan'.
"It's interesting. I wonder is it part of a plan to pivot from some harsh headlines they've had in the last year or two?
More 'faux-Royal tours'
THE Duke has hinted at more 'faux-Royal' tours after his 'memorable' Nigeria trip.
After visits to a warzone and Meghan claiming Nigeria as "my country" - Harry said there is "only so much" he and his wife can do over Zoom.
The Duke told PEOPLE Magazine: "We look forward to travelling more because the work matters.
"Whether it's the Archewell Foundation, Invictus or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work."
Harry also praised Africa, where he is involved in conservation and his charity Sentebale, as a "very, very special place".
He added: "You know what Africa means to me over the years.
"To be able to include Nigeria now [in Invictus], I’m very happy."
"Is it maybe a slightly more social conservative direction and have themselves as royals in exile for want of a better word?
"I wonder is that them acting on advice that people don't want to hear them criticising the royal family."
'HUGE QUESTION MARK'
But fellow royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun on Sunday there is a "huge question mark" the Royal Family will have over how the Sussexes "faux-royal" tour was been handled.
He said: "There the Sussexes are concerned, there is a huge question mark over how all of this [tour] was handled.
"You can't help feeling… that an awful lot is happening behind the scenes.
"As for trusting the Sussexes, as successful as their trip will be… I think there will be a great deal of concern [from Buckingham Palace] over how they have built publicity up, used it, and some would say, exploited it, for their Nigerian trip.
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"It is always unwise to underestimate the Sussexes because you never quite know what is coming next.
"The unpredictability is something the Royal Family find very difficult to deal with."
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