On Tour with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Nigeria: Read PEOPLE's Diary!

Simon Perry, PEOPLE's chief foreign correspondent, gives an exclusive look into his experience covering the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's trip to Nigeria

PEOPLE's chief foreign correspondent, Simon Perry, shares his insight into what it was like covering Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent trip to Nigeria.

Having covered numerous royal tours, including three with Prince Harry himself, I can attest that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Nigeria from May 10 to 13 had all the hallmarks of an official visit, despite not being officially labeled as such. From a dynamic kickoff event focused on mental health at a local school, where both Harry and Meghan delivered inspiring speeches, to heartfelt visits to charitable organizations, every aspect mirrored the essence of royal engagements.

The couple was relaxed in their demeanor, confident in their mission and welcoming. On the first day, I was pleasantly surprised to be so up close, cataloging their every move. “Hot enough for you, Simon?” Harry joked as we adjusted to the 94-degree heat on our first day in Abuja. I said he must be used to it now living in California, but the heat was even tough for him. As we chatted about our flights and jetlag, Meghan said they were “hitting the ground running.”

Related: Behind-the-Scenes in Africa with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: 'We're Really Happy' (Exclusive)

Four years have passed since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their senior royal roles. Consequently, they navigated this trip without official assistance, yet their impact was indistinguishable from a traditional royal visit. Whether extending a scholarship program through their Archewell Foundation for talented young girls or engaging with military families, their presence radiated joy and purpose, irrespective of their formal royal status.

Their host, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, extended a warm welcome, recognizing Harry's dedication to the Invictus Games, a cause close to Nigeria's heart. At a sit-down volleyball game supporting veterans, Harry was feted for his leadership.

For her part, Meghan hit all the right notes, delighting the crowd after Harry’s speech on mental health (“You see why I married him?”) and empowering young students (“I see myself in all of you”). It reminded me of watching her almost five years ago in South Africa, when she told a group of teens that she was their “sister.”

As we left a classroom in Abuja, I said she must be excited about the visit. She told me it was important for her to find out more about Nigeria and she couldn’t wait to tell her mother and kids about it.

Meghan's resonance with the Nigerian heritage was palpable as she advocated for women's leadership alongside the formidable Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, exuding authority and clarity.

For Harry, the significance of the Invictus Games has evolved. Witnessing the transformative power of sports firsthand, he contemplated ways to improve access to prosthetics for wounded veterans. At a military hospital in Kaduna, Harry was just as I had seen him on many occasions before with veterans — whether it was with Walking with the Wounded or at the Invictus Games. At the hospital, he held hands with the soldiers and leaned down to speak with them — in a touching moment that evoked the memory of his late mother Princess Diana.

As the trip concluded, amidst a flurry of selfies and heartfelt embraces, shadows lingered over Harry's relationship with his family, particularly with his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate Middleton, who is undergoing cancer treatment. The fact that he wasn’t able to see his father King Charles during his visit to the U.K. before Nigeria (despite it being known for several weeks that he was coming to London) speaks volumes.

Despite the complexities, the prince has made no secret of his desire for reconciliation with his family and would likely answer any call to help out his family. However, it’s evident that much more work needs to be done before any reconciliation can be achieved.

Back home in Montecito, Meghan will continue to champion her endeavors, including her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, while Harry's new chief of staff, Josh Kettler, prepares to guide him through his next phase.

There will be more travel like Nigeria to come — PEOPLE understands that the Sussexes received additional invitations while they were on their visit. “There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom!” Harry tells PEOPLE. “So we look forward to traveling more…there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work.”

While their future travels may not be classified as royal tours, the impact of their engagements transcends titles. As Harry aptly puts it, "The work matters.”

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.