The Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook their first tour at the request of the foreign office from Tuesday 16th October to Wednesday 31st October. They toured Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga undertaking 76 engagements. Australia and New Zealand have the Queen as their head of state, and all of the countries visited by the Sussex’s are in the commonwealth. This tour was particularly exciting for many reasons; it was the Sussex’s first tour as a married couple, the Invictus Games set up by Harry featured as part of it in Sydney, and the day before they departed, Kensington Palace announced they were expecting their first child, due in Spring 2019.
The couple were accompanied by their private secretary Samantha Cohen, who was assistant private secretary to the Queen, and was going to leave her job, but was then offered this role after Harry’s previous secretary stepped down earlier this year. Amy Pickerill who is Meghan’s assistant private secretary, was formally the senior communications officer of William, Catherine and Harry. She was handpicked by Harry and her role included organising Meghan’s schedule, briefing her before engagements, and collecting flowers and gifts on walkabouts. A personal assistant was on hand to help organise each engagement. 4 members of the royal communications team with 2 extra’s joining for Fiji and Tonga were with the Sussex’s. The couple have a large team and chose a few officers to accompany them, including a digital communications officer and a programme coordinator. They also had an orderly to help with luggage and belongings, making sure everything was transported to the right place. The trusted hairdresser of Meghan, George Northwood, was paid for privately to accompany the royals and take care of the Duchess’ hair. Jessica Malroney, Meghan’s close friend and style advisor, privately paid her own expenses to assist her friend in dressing, especially as the Duchess is now pregnant. Jessica Malroney and her husband flew to Australia from Toronto and are not part of the official entourage. I do think it is unusual for a royal to have a friend privately with them, but no doubt it was reassuring for Meghan on her first overseas tour, and with her pregnancy in full swing.
The couple arrived in Sydney, Australia and met the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Cosgrove, where they were presented with a soft toy Kangaroo complete with a joey, and a pair of tiny ugg boots, at Admiralty House. This was their first gift for their expected child. Harry said, "Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and the chance to meet so many Aussies from all walks of life. We also genuinely couldn't think of a better place to announce the upcoming baby, boy or girl." The couple also received Akubras, traditional Australian hats. They were joined by representatives of the Invictus games, with bearers of flags of each of the 18 countries that will take part.
The next stop on a busy first day was Taronga Zoo where they met two joeys named after them to celebrate their marriage. Harry and Meghan then completed a walkabout at the Opera House, meeting members of the public and receiving more baby gifts and flowers. They watched dance company Bangarra, to end their first day.
Day 2 was rainy as the couple arrived in Dubbo, and were greeted by 5 year old Luke Vincent. The child was given a hug by Meghan, and then Harry bent down, and Luke became fascinated with the Duke’s beard, reportedly stroking it! 150 school children also met the couple at Dubbo airport, waving flags. The couple named and unveiled a new aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the airport, and looked at new equipment that models a pregnant patient. They met Marcus Wilson, the manager of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill, who pulled 3 survivors from a helicopter crash in Afghanistan and who was awarded Australia’s Bravery Medal; he went in to partake in the sailing event at the Sydney Invictus Games.
The couple were seen to hold hands and link arms at every opportunity whilst visiting the airport, and Meghan said she was running on adrenaline later on in the day. Other than being tired, her pregnancy is progressing well.
The couple went on to visit Mountain View Farm that has belonged to the Woodley family for 5 generations; the couple observed the effect of the recent drought. They drank tea in the garden and Meghan spent time cooing over 13 month old Ruby Carroll, and chatting to her mother Emily. The Duchess presented the Woodley family with banana bread baked by her the previous night at Admiralty House; a first for a royal tour! The Woodley family said it was very moist and gave it 5 stars. I think this shows Meghan’s warm heart and love of hospitality. She said you cannot visit someone’s house without a gift! However, now she’s done it once, will she be able to maintain it? She certainly put extra effort in.
Their next stop was Dubbo’s Victoria Park; it rained on them but the Duchess held an umbrella for her husband as he made a speech. Ironically, the Duke was praising the community’s resilience during the drought. He said, "You people are the salt of the earth, hard working and as tough as they come. I know that life has not been easy. You have just lived through two years of drought. Despite recent welcome rain, it is going to take a lot more and a long time to recover."
The rain did ruin plans for a picnic. The next plan was a series of outdoor events at Dubbo Senior College, that also had to be abandoned due to thunder, lightning and downpour! The headteacher cancelled the outdoor events whilst the children from Clontarf Academy, which aims to improve the life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders young men, ran for cover. Inside, Harry spoke of the stigma surrounding mental health, one of the issues he has been championing alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The couple sheltered under a huge umbrella and kept their spirits up. The Duchess made a visit to the Girls’ Academy which works within the school system to reduce the barriers preventing Indigenous girls from completing their education and reaching their full potential. Instead of the planned netball and football, the couple chatted to pupils under a covered area, before flying back to Sydney.
On Thursday 18th October, the couple visited Melbourne. They learnt about the Beach Patrol initiative at South Melbourne beach, meeting volunteer lifeguards, one of whom suggested to the Duchess that she might like to take a dip, which she declined with laughter when she saw the choppy waters and grey skies. The couple asked about the lifeguard’s jobs, and how long they had been in the service. Those they met said they were lovely, and one, named Sebastian, mentioned how Harry commented on the height of Sebastian, saying he was made for lifeguarding! They met many people on the meet and greet, as hundreds waited, some wading into the water to get a good view, as the couple were running behind schedule. Characteristically, Harry and Meghan publicly displayed their affection, with the Duke holding the Duchess’ hand in both of his. I know this is going against the precedent for limited public displays of affection amongst the royals, as they are seen to be working, so must behave on a professional manner, and I do think professionalism is key to making sure the royals don’t just become another celebrity family for people to follow and comment on, especially as people like to focus on relationships, but Harry no doubt is proud to be with his wife and is looking forward to fatherhood, and wanted to reassure Meghan on her first major overseas tour. It also encourages those around them who like to see a happy couple. Furthermore, unlike the Cambridge’s, the Sussex’s are not directly in line for the throne, so can afford to be more relaxed. The Duke and Duchess then returned to Admiralty House, Sydney.
The fourth day of the tour saw the royal pair visit a famous tourist hot spot, Bondi Beach, in Sydney. The couple met members of the local community group OneWave, that raises awareness of mental health and wellbeing in a fun and engaging way. They took part in a session, ‘Fluro Friday,’ where people share their mental health issues experiences. Meghan was in her element chatting to a group of people doing yoga on the beach; her mother is a yoga instructor and Meghan herself practises it, whilst Harry chatted to a group of surfers. Her fun stripy maxi dress in olive and brown by local designer Martin Grant was a slight step away from her usual plain non-patterned outfits in single block colours, and I think although it was more casual, it fitted the occasion. Meghan’s tour wardrobe was a mix of smart tailored dresses and casual jeans and tops. Meghan certainly wears trousers more than other members of the family, and darker, more neutral colours. I am glad she has found a style that works for her, whilst keeping with her royal status.
The walkabout on the beach saw the pair showered with gifts and cards, and shaking many wellwisher’s hands. They certainly have completed the most walkabouts on the beach that I know of! Another more casual element they are throwing in. Meghan piled lei’s (garlands of fabric flowers) around her neck that she was given by different members of the public.
They then changed outfits and visited Macarthur Girls High School, where Meghan shared her experience of attending an all girls school, and how along with her first job of taking out the rubbish bags, it made her who she is today. The location of their visit to the school had been kept secret even from the students, some of whom performed a dance for them. Later on, Harry, accompanied by some of the Invictus competitors climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise the flag for the games. The couple then finished the day by meeting Labour leader Bill Shorten, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison with his wife Jenny Morrison.
Day 5 was probably one of Harry’s highlights of the tour; the Invictus Games 2018 opening ceremony took place at the Sydney Opera House, 45 years to the day after the Opera House was opened by the Queen. Harry gave a speech as he opened the games. He said, “Hello Sydney, hello Australia, and hello Invictus. You are the optimistic generation. You are the new generation of service and you are the role models to us all.” The Duke went on to thank the Australian’s for the warm welcome he and Meghan had received, and thanked them for helping them celebrate the news of their, “newest addition.” He also had a special message for the Australian’s, “I have a mission for all of you Aussies. And it’s not how many shrimps you can put on the barbie. Our competitors have made it to these games, most of them travelling from many thousands of miles away. It’s your job to cheer them on and share their stories. It’s your privilege to watch in the stands or with your friends and families around the television. It’s your responsibility to make sure your children know how amazing these guys and girls really are.”
The crowds gave Harry a standing ovation, as he opened the fourth Invictus Games, which are the Duke’s creation. The games are a series of competitive sports for injured servicemen and women to take part in. It aims to inspire them to stay determined, and reach a goal in their recovery. It is a cause very close to the Duke’s heart, having served in the armed forces himself.
Earlier on in the day, The Sussex’s had attended the opening of the new ANZAC memorial alongside the governor of New South Wales, David Hurley, and his wife Linda Hurley, and visited Hyde Park. Harry wore his white and black military uniform, the Tropical dress of the Blues and Royals, with whom he served. Meghan wore a black dress and fascinator. They then took a boat to the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge on Cockatoo Island. Before opening the Invictus Games, they attended an evening reception at the Sydney Opera House, hosted by the New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian MP. I think it’s great that the Duke has created this new Games and project, and is reminiscent of Prince Philip creating his own successful initiative, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
The sixth day of the busy tour saw Meghan take an unscheduled break as her pregnancy left her tired, so Harry gave out Inctus medals on his own. One runner tried to get Harry to sign his specially made underwear, but the Duke declined, although he was later privately presented with his own pair that read, “Team Aus Down Under.” The couple reunited for an Invictus reception lunch hosted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, where the Duchess met children and athletes. In the afternoon the couple took to the water to watch the Invictus sailing final close up. They then headed back to Admiralty House. This was their final public appearance in Sydney before they moved on to the next stage of their tour, travelling to Fraser Island.
Day 7 saw the royals arrive in Fraser Island. They split ways after they touched down, as Meghan needed time to rest after the Invictus Games opening ceremony had finished later than expected. Also, the terrain Meghan would have to travel on was considered too rough. Harry took the trip to Pile Valley, travelling on the Fraser Island Explorer Tour Bus to River Heads on the Queensland coastline, and a public ferry, and was greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony, called K’Gari. He met the local indigenous people, and children from the Butchulla tribe performed a dance for him. The Duke unveiled a plaque for the second time after his father had unveiled it in Bundaberg earlier this year, after it was announced that over 200,000 acres would be protected. The island boasts 50 metre tall Satinay trees.
The pair then reunited as they met local people at the beach. Meghan wore a maxi linen striped dress, with spaghetti straps and a thigh high split that suited her well, but I think was a touch too casual; the split and the straps made it too unprofessional for me. They received flowers and teddy bears; the Duke noticed a sign that read, “Rangas rule,” which is an Australian slang reference to his ginger hair! The Duchess crouched down to meet the oldest (at 85 years old) and longest (having lived there for 45 years) inhabitant of Fraser Island, Noeline Walk. Mrs Walk said, "She asked me since I was local what I would suggest she have for tea. 'Seafood, of course!' I told her. 'Oh, I'll have to give it a try', she said."
The Duke and Duchess left Australia to visit Fiji. They visited the capital city, Suva, greeted by a guard of honour at the airport. Meghan wore a formal dress and headpiece, which I enjoyed seeing her wear to affirm the importance and professional status of her role and this state visit.
They went from the airport to Albert Park for a welcome ceremony known as the Veirqaraqaravi Vakavanua; it featured dancing, and the presentation of the Tabua, a giant whale tooth presented to guests of honour, and Harry drinking a cup of ceremonial kava, made from the root of the kava plant. Thousands watched in the rain. The couple waved to crowds from their hotel balcony. They then attended a reception and state dinner hosted by Jioji Konrote, the president of Fiji. Prince Harry made a speech during the evening, and Meghan wore a sky blue evening gown. The Sussex’s visit marks the first royal visit for 12 years after Fiji was suspended from the commonwealth for 8 years, following a military coup.
Day 9 saw the couple split. Harry met with Fijian war veterans and paid his respects at the Fiji War Memorial, laying a wreath of poppies with a hand written note saying, "In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Loloma kei na masu [Love and prayers]." The ex-military Duke later said, "I must emphasise my respect, admiration and camaraderie with the Fijian soldiers that I served with in Afghanistan. We trained together, we fought together, and most importantly we laughed together."
He joined Meghan, who received a garland of flowers to wear, at the University of the South Pacific to meet students. Here, the Duchess made her first royal speech, following Harry’s speech. As an actress and someone who has been used to making speeches in her previous charitable work, I knew she would do an excellent job. She said, "The journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital. Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development."
Splitting again, Harry headed to a forest to unveil more of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy Project, whilst Meghan went to hear more about the UN Women’s project, ‘Markets for change,’ at 2 separate places. She took part in traditional cookery, using a hot stone to scrape coconut flesh and extract juice from the shell. Harry met others taking part in traditions during his forest visit, including making the traditional kuva drink. He also met the lady who had served tea to the Queen when she visited Fiji as part of her coronation commonwealth tour. Litiana Vulaca was just 21 then, when asked by her employer to do the task. Harry planted an indigenous Dakua tree using a shovel engraved with, 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lautoka, Fiji, December 18th 1953,’ as the Queen used the same shovel on her visit. He also unveiled a plaque.
Meghan wore a lovely floral printed dress and included local flowers in her hair, a step away from her usual simple block coloured tailored dresses and smart sophisticated hairstyles. I thought it became her well. Meghan finished off at the Suva Municipal Market, meeting female entrepreneurs, but the visit was cut short, as Meghan was escorted out by her female protection officer, due to large crowds. She stayed for 7 out of the scheduled 15 minutes. I think she coped well with this difficult situation. A royal aide said, "It was hot, humid and uncomfortably busy and there were far larger crowds than expected. She met everyone she was meant to meet and left. There would have been a lot of people who would have been keen to meet her but she did meet those who had hoped to. On advice she was taken out due to a crowd management issue."
On Thursday 25th October, the couple arrived in Western Fiji, in Nadi, and received a welcome ceremony. They unveiled a statue of Sergent Talaisai Labalaba, the British-Fijian soldier who lost his life in 1972 at the Battle of Mirbat. They were joined by government and armed forces personnel, and the president of Fiji. Harry sampled more kuva drink, calling out, “Buva,” and clapping three times as per Fijian tradition.
They then traveled to the kingdom of Tonga. The Duchess changed into a red dress that was stunning, but those who looked carefully spotted the label hanging down! I am surprised this wasn’t spotted, but I think it gives a touch of realness and humanity, we all make mistakes.
The couple attended a private meeting in Nuku'alofa, at Consul House, with the King of Tonga, Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau-u. Meghan wore her third outfit of the day, wearing a floor length white gown suitable for the occasion, with the late Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring, that the Duchess also wore for her evening wedding reception. They attended a welcome reception and dinner, and the Duchess’ arms were particularly shiny as she was wearing insect repellent, due to the low risk of the Zika virus from mosquitoes, particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies.
The 11th day of the tour saw the couple meet cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Akilisi Pōhiva, at the St George government building. They were met by civil servants in traditional dress. They then viewed an exhibition showcasing traditional Tongan crafts and products at the Fa'onelua Centre, with Princess Angelika. The couple received a Taovala, traditional dress worn over your own. The Duchess wore her hair in a ponytail for the first time, and looked stylish. They received a picture of Royal Tongan Motif, Fata O Tu’i Tongan. Uili Lousi, art and artisan, said, "They said they will put it in their home.” Traditional island music was played for them, and the Duke appeared to do a little jig! They unveiled the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, at Tupou College. A choir made Meghan laugh with their song about mosquitoes, including flying actions and buzzing noises! The Sussex’s then headed back to Sydney, Australia.
Day 12 saw the couple attended the last event of the 2018 Invictus Games, and the closing ceremony. They attended the final of the wheelchair basketball and presented medals. At the closing ceremony, The Kingdom Choir performed; they also sang at the Sussex’s wedding. Both wore Royal British Legion poppies, as the build up to Remembrance Day begins. I am pleased the couple acknowledged this, and it shows a respect for the lives lost, and this tradition. David Beckham also attended the games. Two athletes asked the Duchess for a kiss on the cheek, and she obliged, although I am not sure how I feel about that! Meghan did a speech, and thanked the, ‘Invictus family,’ for welcoming her in, as well as paying homage to the competitors and their supporters. Harry closed the night, saying, "You do not have to be a veteran who has fought back from injury to be inspired by the Invictus example… You can identify something in your own life that you want to change for the better. And you can let the men and women of the Invictus Games remind you that no challenge is too difficult to overcome.”
Day 13 saw the couple in New Zealand. They left Australia, with Harry giving a thumbs up and Meghan a wave, before boarding their plane to New Zealand. They were waved off by Australian dignitaries. The afternoon saw the fire alarm set off at Government House in Wellington, by an automatic air freshener! Everyone had to evacuate.
The couple took part in a walkabout in the city, at Memorial Park. The couple broke royal protocol (which I don’t normally approve of, as royal protocol is there for a good reason) by taking a selfie with two 10 year old friends, Hope Watson and Sophie Hubbard. When the couple touched down in New Zealand, they were met by dignitaries including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. It was very windy as they landed but I think Meghan chose well with her updo hairstyle, to avoid the issues she had had boarding the plane in Australia, where the wind kept blowing her hair in her face, and she struggled to wave.
They went to Government House for a welcome ceremony, including Meghan’s first haka, and first hongi greeting (touching noses) from Governor generals Kuia and Kaumatua. They laid a wreath at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, where Prince Harry was honoured by the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. The Prime Minister revealed she gave the Duchess some earrings, and the Duke a shapeshifter CD, the reason was, “because it includes a track titled Dutchies, which is the song that the All Blacks enter onto the field with, including at Twickenham,” she later revealed. She also gave a Stars Vinyl Album, and received a Community Cookbook from the Duchess in return. The Prime Minister said the couple were very enthusiastic and genuine about mental health, and they also spoke about issues around the Pacific, including climate change, children’s issues and mental health.
In the evening, they attended a reception to mark the 125th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New Zealand, hosted by the Governor-general Patsy Reddy, and also attended by the Prime Minister. The Duchess gave a speech, saying, “Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community; the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of. And women’s suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people including those members of society who have been marginalised whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community. So bravo New Zealand, for championing this right a hundred and twenty-five years ago for the women who well deserve to have an active voice and acknowledged vote and for all the people that this effort has paved the way for globally, we all deeply thank you. In the words of your suffragette, Kate Sheppard, ‘all that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome’.” She received a round of applause by opening her speech with the maori greeting, “tēnā koutou katoa.” New Zealand was the first country in the world to allow women to vote, making them, according to the Duchess, “universally admired.” I think the Duchess puts a lot of herself into her speeches, which I think is lovely and endearing.
The next day of the tour started off with a visit to the Maraniu Cafe in Wellington, where they met youths working on mental health projects. One of those there said, “[Harry] was very interested, they both asked a lot of questions. I talked about my own personal experience, about feeling a lot of shame, and he was really interested to understand why I felt so ashamed about it. They’ve had their own experiences with mental health, and Harry has been very open about this.” Meghan sipped a cup of tea, which I think must have made everyone very relaxed and open. She asked that the leftover cakes that had been laid out for her and her husband be taken outside to some schoolchildren.
They then took a helicopter to the Abel Tasman National Park. The Duke and Duchess had to take shelter in a marquee set up on grass next to the beach. Prince Harry mentioned his unborn child in his speech, saying, “The weather forecast was a lot worse than this and we are really fortunate to be here. The rain is a blessing and a reminder of our connection to the land … From my wife, myself and our little bump, it’s a blessing to be here … We bring you greetings from my grandmother.” I think it shows Harry’s sensitive side that he referenced their child. The couple were greeted by the elder (kaumatua) of the local tribe in Te Reo Maori, and had the message translated to them, which made Meghan smile, as it included good wishes for their baby! The elder also explained that the Duchess was sat behind her husband because, “The middle represents the god of war and we don’t want to put our women into that space. We want to be inclusive but especially Meghan, because she’s expecting, we don’t want to put her at any risk.” The Prince shared a photo he had personally taken during the flight over the national park on the Kensington Palace Instagram account, showing his down to earth side.
In the evening they attended a Halloween themed event at Courtenay Creative. They did not dress up though! They were greeted by Lord of the Rings themed characters, and met others, all dressed in costumes designed by local artists as part of the, “Things That Go Bump In The Night,” exhibition. Harry wished them a, “Happy Halloween.”
The penultimate day of the tour saw the couple dedicate a 20 hectare piece of land in Auckland to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, and take part in Wellie Wanging, a game which Meghan’s team won. They were presented with a small pair of wellies for their new baby. They had a private lunch and outfit change, then were accompanied by the Prime Minister to the South Auckland offices for Pillar, a charity that supports the children of prisoners. 200 people gathered to meet the royal couple. They then took a walkabout at Auckland’s waterfront Viaduct. Harry notably comforted a grieving boy, whose mother had taken her own life, and was now in the care of his nan. Harry said, “Everything will be OK — look at me,” and told him how important grandparents are. He also referenced Meghan, calling her amazing, and encouraging the boy, Otia, with his own story of losing his mother. He also encouraged Otia’s nan. He broke royal protocol again by taking a selfie, but I think it was an important reason to break the rules! Meghan also saw an old friend, Hannah Sergal, who later said, “I was friends with her on Instagram before she had to deactivate her account. We used to have conversations and stuff on there. She would tell me to do well at university and encourage me to be myself.” The Duchess recognised her, and took a letter off Hannah that Hannah asked her to read.
The day ended with a formal reception hosted by the Prime Minister, who said the Duchess was, “incredible,” for the way she had completed the tour whilst pregnant. The Prime Minister was recently pregnant herself, whilst in office, so could empathise with the Duchess. The reception honoured guests who have made a positive contribution to society, from a variety of age groups. The Duchess re-used a dress she wore to the polo in the past, and I wholeheartedly approve of this, just like the Duchess of Cambridge does, as it encourages others to not have a wasteful wardrobe. The Prime minister said of their focus on mental health, “your willingness to speak so openly is a powerful message,” and to the crowd, “You might think you’re here to meet them, but they’re here to meet you.” I think that sums up the couple nicely; they have clearly been there to serve and encourage others throughout this tour. Harry spoke too, saying they were enjoying their time in, “one of the world’s most diverse cities,” where they had met, “little Kiwis and big Kiwis.” He concluded with, Despite the world you’ve inherited, your approach is groundbreaking and forward thinking, with an optimistic outlook that is inclusive of community, both people and nature, and conscious of the value of our mental fitness and how this is the key to the cure.
"Meghan and I have enormous respect for you. Your generation is quite literally changing the world. Don’t ever stop fighting.”
The last day of the 16 day tour began in Rotorua. The Sussex’s were welcomed at the Maori meeting house (removing their shoes when they entered) Te Papaiouru Marae with a ceremony, which included a haka and the sound of a conch shell. The couple wore the traditional cloaks called korowai that they were gifted, to honour Meghan’s pregnancy and the significance of female ancestors. They also took part in the hongi greeting. The Duke gave a speech in Maori, and led everyone in the song, “Te Aroha,” also in Maori. He thanked them for hosting him and his wife, and said the cloaks would be treasured. They took part in a traditional steamed hangi meal for lunch.
The Sussex’s then visited a kiwi bird hatchery, naming a pair of birds, and meeting conservationists. They finished off by strolling through Rotorua’s gardens, walking through a forest, and meeting mountain biker’s.
Overall, I think the tour was a huge success, and the couple did an amazing job! Although I didn’t approve of all of Meghan’s fashion choices, I think both the Duke and Duchess were very humble, and really shone the spotlight on those they were visiting, encouraging, and helping. I look forward to seeing how they grow and develop in their roles!