Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are setting themselves up to be the 'alternative royals' with Nigeria trip - claim

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are setting themselves up to become the "alternative royals" to the British Royal Family, it has been claimed.

Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Sarah-Louise Robertson claimed the latest tour from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is a bid to "rebrand themselves", following a turbulent few years since leaving the Royal Family.

After his brief return to the UK, Meghan and Harry were reunited at Heathrow Airport, before flying to Abuja together.

The couple are embarking on a tour of the African nation after Meghan discovered she is "43 per cent" Nigerian, and was invited by the country's Chief of Defence Staff.

Prince Harry Meghan Markle and Sarah-Louise Robertson

In discussion with hosts Olivia Utley and Ben Leo, Robertson claimed that despite the couple playing out the visit as a royal tour, the trip is simply an unofficial "pseudo-royal tour".

She added that the trip is "another stabbing attempt" for the Sussexes to "rebrand" their image.

Robertson explained: "They're setting themselves up to be the alternative royals. This is another stab at making it for the Sussexes and redefining their brand.

"They just put different hats on for different things - she's setting herself that this is her rebranding herself, and Harry's obviously part of that."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Robertson added that Prince Harry "carries the weight of the image" the royal couple "because he is the Duke of Sussex" and "brings that into the mix".

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Discussing the Sussexes security arrangements in Nigeria, Robertson revealed that the level of security they are receiving is "Presidential style", with Harry bringing a team of "four security guards" on the tour.

Robertson told GB News: "He's got a four man security team, which again sticks in the throat over here because he was bleating, trying to sue us over his security.

"The way that he's gone and made such a fuss about how Britain wasn't safe for him to bring his wife and children to, yet he's gallivanting away over in Nigeria with not a care in the world, when actually they are at risk of kidnap threat."

Host Olivia Utley agreed and said Nigeria is actually a "very dangerous country" for them to be travelling to.

Sarah-Louise Robertson

Turning the discussion to Prince Harry's relationship with the Royal Family, Robertson said King Charles's "trust has gone" with his son, and "chose not to see him" due to his busy schedule.

Robertson explained: "King Charles obviously does love Harry dearly, but he's so hurt. And it's the trust, the trust has just gone.

"And when he did see Harry, when Harry flew in, when he got his cancer diagnosis, it was so emotional and upsetting for the King. And Camilla is very protective, she can't have anything upset King Charles right now. It's just too much for him.

"Until Harry can prove that he can be trusted and the stories won't be leaked out, the King, I don't think, could see him."