A Nigerian Royal Princess leads a life that is relatively ordinary.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy in the realm of royal life can feel almost unattainable. The scrutiny faced by royals on an international scale surpasses what most ordinary individuals encounter. Take, for instance, the relationship of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and his now-wife, Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway. Haakon faced criticism when he began dating a commoner, and Mette-Marit’s unconventional past raised doubts among many Norwegians regarding her suitability for the throne. A similar narrative unfolded for Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales, as Catherine’s middle-class background encountered resistance from the British elite when the couple embarked on their relationship.

Alongside the immense scrutiny, royal figures around the world must adhere to strict protocols that uphold the traditions of monarchy. In Japan, for instance, members of the royal family are prohibited from marrying commoners, as exemplified by the former princess Mako Komuro, who relinquished her titles in order to wed Kei Komuro in 2021. Similarly, Dutch royals are not permitted to wear a crown, even during coronation ceremonies, as it is positioned beside the king rather than atop his head.

Amidst these complex dynamics, one princess stands out for her ability to maintain a sense of normalcy in her everyday life. Princess Keisha of Nigeria embraces reality by engaging in work, using public transportation, and even shopping at Target.

Upon their initial encounter, Princess Keisha was uncertain about what to make of her encounter with Prince Kunle. At that time, she was a typical American girl, striving to establish herself in the modeling industry, while Prince Kunle belonged to Nigeria’s royal family. Nevertheless, despite his position, Kunle approached Keisha in a genuine manner. The young model happened to be outside the W Hotel in New York City when Kunle noticed her. Reflecting on the moment, the princess shared with Insider, “I could sense this presence watching me, and when I looked up, I saw this handsome gentleman just standing there. And in New York City, people don’t just stand around. Everyone is in a rush, constantly on the move.”

In a manner typical of any young man intrigued by a girl, Kunle made the decision to approach Keisha and ask her out. As Keisha recalls, Kunle approached her and uttered the words, “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Would you do me the honor of sharing your number? I would love to take you out.” While most princes might expect an immediate affirmative response, Kunle is far from an ordinary prince. He chose not to disclose his royal status to the charming girl on the street, and she walked away. However, as Keisha turned away from Kunle, an unexplained change of heart overcame her. “I thought I should just give him my number and see what happens,” shared the princess with Insider.

Prince Kunle chose not to immediately disclose his true identity to Princess Keisha, and for years, he maintained the secret of his royal status. This enabled the couple to enjoy a normal courtship without media scrutiny surrounding a prince dating a commoner. Although Keisha recognized that Kunle was well-off, she remained unaware of his royal lineage. On their first date, Kunle went all out by renting an entire restaurant for the evening. As the prince later shared in an interview with Access Hollywood (via YouTube), “I instructed the restaurant to close down. And then, petals on the floor. And she was like, ‘Are you trying to show off?'” It was not until they had been together for two years that Keisha discovered Kunle’s true status as a prince.

In the end, it was through a conversation with Kunle’s mother that Keisha learned the truth. Reflecting on the moment, Keisha recalled her initial meeting with Kunle’s mother, sharing, “I remember meeting his mother. She was incredibly warm. She embraced me and referred to me as her daughter right away. She said, ‘You are my princess.'” Initially, Keisha didn’t think much of the term, assuming it was a common endearment used by mothers for their daughters. However, it didn’t take long for the true significance of the word to be revealed. Keisha explained that during a sit-down conversation, Kunle’s mother shared the story of her son, the meaning behind his name, and his heritage. Keisha’s reaction was reportedly, “Oh my goodness!”

Unlike many royal brides who typically relinquish their careers to prioritize their royal obligations, Princess Keisha has chosen a different path. Even after marrying Prince Kunle, the California-born princess has continued to pursue her career as a model. Keisha’s dedication to her profession remains unwavering, showcasing her determination to maintain her own identity and passions alongside her royal role.

During her conversation with Insider, Keisha emphasized the personal significance of pursuing her dreams, stating, “Receiving deposits and checks in the mail with my name on them brings me joy. I firmly believe that women should strive for financial independence and personal happiness, even after finding their life partner.” Regrettably, not everyone supported Keisha’s choices, and she faced criticism for deviating from the traditional expectations of a princess. Even individuals within the modeling industry assumed that her marriage would impede her professional growth. Despite these challenges, Keisha remained resolute in her convictions. Speaking on a royal panel organized by Insider (via YouTube), she advocated for the acceptance of royals engaging in pursuits such as acting, modeling, or holding jobs beyond their royal duties.

Despite having the privilege of private transportation as royals, Princess Keisha and Prince Kunle do not shy away from embracing elements of everyday life. In fact, the Nigerian royals have been known to engage in normal activities, including occasionally using public transit. During the “Royal Representation” panel organized by Insider, Keisha shared that people might be surprised to encounter her on a train, highlighting her willingness to connect with the real world and experience life beyond the confines of royalty.

While it may appear unconventional for a member of royalty to opt for public transportation, Princess Keisha has openly discussed her experiences using such means of travel. In a previous Insider interview, she expressed her delight in her children understanding the concept of having a driver while also being unafraid to hop on the Jubilee line occasionally.

Interestingly, Keisha and Kunle’s choice to embrace public transportation may be rooted in their desire to remain connected to reality. As Keisha explained, Kunle strives to be relatable, fitting in and being of service in any room he enters. She emphasized that her husband’s upbringing instilled in him the belief that he is a prince for all people, regardless of their social or economic standing. Their shared values contribute to their willingness to engage with public transportation, reflecting a commitment to humility and inclusivity.

In the spirit of embracing their role as prince and princess for all people, Prince Kunle and Princess Keisha find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Keisha, in particular, appreciates stores beyond the realm of luxury and even finds delight in discount brands. During the “Royal Representation” panel organized by Insider, the princess openly shared that, as an American, she has a fondness for shopping at Target, expressing her excitement by exclaiming, “When I’m in the U.S., oh my gosh, I love Target. So you might find me at Target.” Despite this revelation, Keisha acknowledged that not everyone perceives this more down-to-earth side of royals, recognizing that people tend to place princes and princesses in a narrow box that fails to encompass the full range of who they are.

Keisha highlighted the existence of numerous misconceptions surrounding the reality of a modern princess’s life. During the Insider panel discussion (via YouTube), she expressed her belief that the public’s perception of royalty often falls short of accuracy, stating, “I feel that their perception of what royalty is… is not always accurate. We are very, very spirited individuals, us princesses.” Seeking to clarify, Keisha elaborated on the multifaceted nature of royal lives, their diverse interests, and the causes they champion. She emphasized that, at times, her day-to-day life is far from what people might consider traditionally “royal.”

Princess Keisha and Prince Kunle’s ability to engage in everyday activities such as taking the train is attributed to their decision to relinquish the throne. At one point, Kunle received an invitation to become the crowned King of Nigeria, but he and Keisha declined the opportunity to preserve a sense of normalcy in their lives. Often referred to as the “Harry and Meghan of Nigeria,” the couple stepped down from their royal duties due to the stringent protocols that accompanied their new positions. As the crowned king, Kunle would be required to sleep separately from his wife, and Keisha would be restricted from wearing certain types of clothing, including bikinis.

During an interview with Insider, Keisha recounted the conversation with her mother-in-law, stating, “I remember my mother-in-law calling and explaining what [Kunle’s ascension] would entail, saying that I couldn’t call him ‘baby’ anymore. He wouldn’t be ‘my sweetheart.’ She emphasized, ‘You do realize that if you say yes, you are essentially giving your husband away.'”

Due to the protocol and obligations associated with royal life, Kunle and Keisha made the decision to abdicate the throne. Instead, they have chosen to focus on charitable work that truly resonates with them and enables them to make a positive impact. Speaking during the “Royal Representation” panel organized by Insider (via YouTube), Keisha shared, “My husband and I have stepped down from royal duties because it grants us the freedom to change the world in the way we want.” Their commitment to serving the Nigerian people and making a difference remains unwavering.

Although Princess Keisha may not engage in official royal duties, her desire to make a positive impact on the world remains strong. In June 2017, she established A Crown of Curls, a brand initially created to assist mixed-race children in styling their curly hair. The inspiration for the brand arose when parents of multiracial children approached Keisha seeking guidance on managing their children’s hair. Recognizing the need for a supportive community, Keisha took the initiative to create one. She shared with Insider, “I realized that a supportive community was essential, so I decided to create it.”

As A Crown of Curls gained momentum, Keisha expanded the brand to cater to children of diverse backgrounds. The princess clarified, “Although I initially started ACOC for children with mixed-race hair, I have now made it inclusive for all hair types and textures, whether straight, curly, or wavy.” Keisha’s decision to broaden the scope was driven by her desire to foster self-acceptance among girls. She expressed to Insider that the project aimed to instill self-love in young girls and women, emphasizing that it was ultimately about promoting confidence and body positivity.

Keisha’s ultimate objective is to empower young women, equipping them with the self-assurance to resist external pressures. By nurturing self-love and confidence from a young age, she envisions that when these girls grow up, they will find any contradictory messages foreign to their identity.

While Princess Keisha generally keeps her royal status private, there is one situation in which she leverages her titles to benefit her endeavors. Whenever Keisha promotes a business, charity, or cause, she embraces her position as a princess. During the “Royal Representation” panel organized by Insider (via YouTube), she explained, “When I’m on the red carpet, if I am promoting A Crown of Pearls or a business we are launching in Europe, a cultural network, then I am, of course, addressed as Princess Keisha. In that context, people expect it because they know who they have come to see.” By utilizing her royal titles in these particular settings, Keisha effectively draws attention and amplifies her message.

While being called a princess may seem enjoyable, Prince Kunle and Keisha primarily utilize their titles to make a positive impact. The couple recognizes that being referred to as royals grants them a position of influence. Keisha and Kunle purposefully employ this influence to effect change. During the panel discussion, Keisha explained their approach, stating, “If we are undertaking royal duties aligned with causes that are deeply meaningful to us, then we present ourselves as Their Royal Highness. We move in that direction.” However, Keisha emphasized the importance of exercising discretion when sharing their titles, often taking cues from Kunle’s humility. Ultimately, the couple strives to utilize their titles to make a difference while maintaining a thoughtful and modest approach.

Princess Keisha does not employ her titles as a means to gain new friendships. However, her royal status serves as a litmus test to identify the loyalty of her existing friends. Keisha prefers to keep her princess identity discreet, and observing her friends’ reactions upon discovering the truth reveals valuable insights about their character. This approach enables her to discern the sincerity and genuineness of her friendships based on how her friends respond to her royal status.

During Insider’s “Royal Representation” panel (via YouTube), Keisha shared her insights into this unique dynamic. She expressed the significance of witnessing a person’s true character when they interact with her for an extended period and then discover her royal identity. Keisha remarked, “There’s something very special about being able to see who a person truly is when they find out who you are after months or even years. That’s when we can genuinely know what’s in someone’s heart.”

Keisha highlighted that one of the most positive responses she receives from people is their eagerness to support her charity work. She expressed that some of her favorite reactions are when individuals ask how they can get involved, inquire about the causes she is working on, and express their willingness to help. Conversely, Keisha acknowledged that there are individuals who, upon learning of her title, suddenly seek to deepen their relationship. She explained, “And then you have those [people] that sometimes all of a sudden want to be extra friendly.” It is through these reactions that the princess discerns whom she can truly trust.