Misan Harriman took pictures of the Duchess of Sussex when she was pregnant with Lilibet

A British-Nigerian photographer with close links to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has spoken out on Britain’s “colonial past” following the Nigerian State Visit.

The criticism came from Misan Harriman, a photographer with close personal ties to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Mr Harriman, born in Nigeria to a billionaire businessman father, has documented significant moments in the Sussexes’ lives, including capturing pictures of the Duchess of Sussex when she was pregnant with Princess Lilibet.

Recording a video on The Mall with British and Nigerian flags visible in the background during the State Visit, he voiced his concerns publicly.

Meghan and Harry photographer speaks out on Britain’s ‘colonial past’ following Nigerian State Visit

 | GETTY / X: MISAN HARRIMAN

“It’s so hard for a lot of us Nigerians to really get our heads around this visit in many ways,” Mr Harriman declared.

He went on to describe such ceremonial occasions as “the last vestiges of our shared colonial past,” insisting he could not overlook the historical realities of Britain’s relationship with Nigeria.

Mr Harriman continued his critique, urging honesty about the extractive nature of colonial history.

“We need to be honest about what colonialism was, how extractive it was,” he stated, adding that maintaining imbalances through pageantry should be avoided in favour of acknowledging “our collective past, so we can have a future of actual shared progress, humanity and dignity.”

Despite Mr Harriman’s criticisms, King Charles went to extraordinary lengths to accommodate Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, during their landmark state visit, the first from Nigeria in nearly four decades, making unprecedented gestures of respect and cultural sensitivity.

The monarch adapted the traditional programme significantly for the Muslim leader observing Ramadan, scrapping the customary formal lunch and ensuring non-alcoholic cocktails were served alongside other modifications.

Mr Harriman received his education at Bradfield College, an independent school commanding fees of £58,000 annually.

His privileged upbringing stands in contrast to his criticisms of ceremonial traditions between the two nations.

Misan Harriman and Meghan Markle pictured in 2023 | GETTY
Prince Harry and Misan Harriman in 2022 | PAThe Sussexes were initially pleased when the late Queen Elizabeth appointed them as president and vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

However, following their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan were removed from these positions.

The couple’s Netflix documentary series in 2022 featured Afua Hirsch, an author and journalist, who described the Commonwealth as “British Empire 2.0,” arguing it was a mechanism to maintain British influence and “extract wealth” from formerly colonised nations.

Academic Kehinde Andrews also featured in the series, arguing that the Commonwealth had not changed from the colonial era, stating: “They just have better PR”.