Princess Keisha of Nigeria said stepping down from royal duties isn't the same as 'turning a blind eye or giving up' and compared her experience to Meghan Markle
Princess Keisha, who married a Nigerian prince, discussed stepping back from royal duties.
Speaking on Insider's "Royal Representation" panel, Keisha said she could relate to Meghan Markle.
She said stepping back didn't mean "turning a blind eye."
Princess Keisha Omilana, an American model who married a Nigerian prince, spoke to Insider about her experience and compared it to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's.
While appearing on the virtual Insider panel "Royal Representation" alongside Princess Sarah Culberson of Sierra Leone in February, Keisha was asked her thoughts on the British monarchy and the conversation quickly turned to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's step back from royal duties in 2020.
Keisha said being part of a royal establishment means you "are bound to the tradition and culture," and that some royals don't get to speak about the causes they are passionate about if it doesn't align with the institution's agenda.
She said stepping back has likely allowed Harry and Meghan to fight for their own causes, and she added that she and her husband, Prince Kunle, can relate to their experience.
"When you choose, and this is a very tough decision to make, when you choose to step down from royal duties, it doesn't mean you are turning your back or turning a blind eye or giving up," Keisha said.
"When you are royal and it's in your blood, it's in your blood. You are royal, you are never not going to be royal," she added.
"I support it. I can see it, because it's what Prince Kunle and I have done on a different scale, but it's very similar to that," she said.
Meghan and Harry launched their charitable foundation, Archewell, named after their son Archie, after stepping back in 2020. The organization focuses on uplifting communities and has partnered with a variety of organizations to tackle issues including mental health, gender equality and uplifting women, and misinformation online, according to the company's website.
The couple has also been more outspoken about issues within the British monarchy since their step back from royal duties. While promoting his memoir, "Spare," earlier this year, Harry condemned the palace's relationship with the British tabloids and accused members of the institution, including Camilla, Queen Consort, of leaking stories about family members.
Meanwhile, Keisha and her husband have lived in Europe for more than five years and have no plans to return to Nigeria. Keisha, who was born in the US, previously told Insider she met Kunle before a model casting in New York City in 2004. The couple wed in 2006, and have spent their life living in different countries, including Greece and the UK.
Kunle previously told Insider that he was asked to be king of the Arugbabuwo ruling house in Nigeria several years ago, but turned the position down after considering how it would affect his life and his and Keisha's relationship.
"I remember my mother-in-law calling and telling me what that would mean, and she's saying how I can't call him 'baby' anymore," Keisha said. "He's no longer 'my sweetheart.' She said, 'You do realize if you say yes, you are basically giving your husband away.'"
Keisha added that if Kunle became king, they would no longer be "sleeping in the same bed," she wouldn't be allowed to wear bikinis, and they would have to adhere to strict daily schedules.
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