The Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook an official visit to Morocco, to strengthen ties between Britain and Morocco. It was their first visit to this country in North Africa. Following Brexit the relationship between Britain and Morocco will become even more important. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Morocco at Casablanca airport, late on the evening of Saturday 23rd February. Their scheduled Royal Air Maroc flight was delayed arriving into London, so was late departing. They were greeted by Thomas Reilly, British Ambassador to Morocco, and his wife. Their visit focused on women's empowerment, girls' education, inclusivity and the encouragement of social entrepreneurship. Thomas Reilly said, “I'm really excited to showcase the vital roles that girls' education and youth employment are playing in shaping modern Morocco. When we began planning for this visit, I had a very clear view in my mind of the story we wanted this visit to tell. It's the same story we've been telling consistently at this embassy for the last 20 months since my arrival here.” There were no walkabouts during the tour due to a security scare, following violent protests from teachers near the royal palace in the days before the visit.
Day One:
Although they were two hours late, the royal couple experienced a traditional welcome with milk and dates in the royal suite of the airport. The Duchess wore a bespoke Valentino red dress. In darkness Harry inspected a sabre carrying guard of honour from the Auxiliary Forces, dressed in their pristine white uniforms and formed in two rows. The Sussex's then boarded two limousines that took them to meet Morocco's Crown Prince Moulay Hassan. Their entourage of nine persons also accompanied them. These included two assistant private secretaries, three communications team members, a digital officer, a programme coordinator, a logistics coordinator and a hairdresser. Surprisingly, no doctor accompanied the 7 months pregnant Duchess, although medical provisions were in place. The Duke and Duchess aryed with Morocco's King Mohammed VI at a royal residence.
Day Two:
On the second day of the tour, their royal highnesses visited a girls secondary school in the village of Asni. The pupils welcomed the couple with songs and flags. Meghan was casually dressed in s blazer, Sussex's met girls who benefit from the charity, “Education for All,” who support girls from rural areas to attend boarding school. These girls come from families who could not otherwise afford an education. These girls are given the opportunity to go on to study at university level. No doubt the Duchess, who had spoken out to call herself a feminist, was delighted to support such a cause. They visited classrooms where lessons were conducted in French. Meghan asked one pupil, "Qu'est-ce que tu veux etre quand tu quittes l'ecole? - What do you want to be when you leave school?" Whilst the Duke asked, "Is this the best school in Morocco?" There was little pomp and ceremony, although the Sussex's followed the custom of placing their hand over their heart after each handshake when the girls lined up to meet them. The Sussex's were showing that a royal tour could be purposeful, and I think for them it was all about meeting the pupils and staff, encouraging them, and shining spotlight on their work. No doubt this is in my opinion a positive influence of Meghan's. There was intense focus on the school, the girls, the charity, and the cause of education for girls that has been denied to women in the past. first Education For All project was opened in 2007 and now has 50 girls enrolled at university. The Duchess dressed casually for the visit in a blazer and skinny jeans, with her Birdies Blackbird slippers, that she has been seen in before.
One student, the 17 year old Samira Ouaadi, drew a floral pattern in brown henna on Meghan's left hand and wrist. She explained that such henna tattoos are traditional for celebrations such as weddings and births, and for pregnant mothers, to bring luck to their child. The Duchess said it was,"really lovely,” and showed her husband. The couple had flown by helicopter to Asni from the capital of Rabat where they were staying. When meeting some of the pupils, Meghan was congratulated on her pregnancy, to which Harry joked, “What, you're pregnant?” The Duchess replied with, “Surprise!” The Duke continued the banter with, “Is it mine?” I think the banter coming from Harry shows he is proud to be becoming a father, but also a little nervous! Five students gave short speeches about themselves, with one appearing to impress their royal highnesses with the comment, “I hope you like the diverse culture" of Morocco, smiling broadly. One pupil sparked a smile from the Duke to the Duchess when they said they liked to watch American movies as a hobby. "Thank you very much," said the Duchess at the end. "You’re all very impressive." To end the visit, Harry presented the founder of, “Education for All,” with an MBE for services to gender equality in education. The couple then posed centre stage in s photograph with the whole school. Meghan changed for the MBE presentation into a white tunic with her skinny jeans, as it was a more formal occasion. I am glad she made an effort for a very formal and important ceremony, in an otherwise very casual state visit.
That evening the Duke and Duchess attended an evening reception held at the residence of the British Ambassador, and hosted by him. Meghan wore a bespoke, champagne-coloured Dior gown with embroidered cape detail. The guests included influential Moroccan women, young entrepreneurs and disabled athletes. The two daughters of the British Ambassador, Orla aged twelve and Elsa aged eight, presented the Duchess with flowers. She said, "Thank you, that is so kind, they are beautiful.” Meghan introduced her husband saying, “This is Harry,” and then received Elsa’s flowers with, "Wow, they are so sweet.” Meanwhile their mother Leah gave a traditional rosewater greeting. This involves guest washing their hands in rosewater; Morrocan families make their own rosewater by infusing the petals. At the event Meghan shared her feminist beliefs. “Women have to challenge everywhere in the world,” she told a group of female executives and entrepreneurs. Meghan has made women's empowerment a key part of her campaigning work.
Day Three:
For the third day of their visit, the royals visited a stables that gives therapy to those with disabilities and special needs. They went to the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Club Dar Essalam in Rabat. They strolled along holding hands. This is something that is synonymous with the Sussex’s; public displays of affection. The Cambridges and other royals see public tours and engagements as a professional part of their job, so refrain from such demonstrations, but the Sussex’s try to be down to earth. I think there is a fine balance to be struck, but think a more professional approach some more of the time would be better, as this is their job, and it is important to present themselves as the royals that they are. Otherwise the respect that is given them and their work loses some of its significance and value. They spoke to young people who benefitted from the therapy that involves spending time with horses, for example grooming and feeding them. Research shows this therapy can help with self-confidence issues and mental health problems; together with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Sussex’s have been concentrating on mental health awareness as one of the focuses of their charity and campaign work. Ekram, 20, who has Down's Syndrome and began riding at the club a month ago, told the couple, "I love the connection with the horses, it already makes me feel relaxed and more confident. And I like being outside, with nature." Meghan replied, "Wow, you're very impressive. What an accomplished lady. I imagine it's so therapeutic as well as meditative." The couple stroked the horses with Harry saying, "Has anyone got any carrots? She's a bit nervous, this one,” when one was shaking slightly. The Duchess referred to her previous career as an actress, commenting, "Well, we all get a little camera shy, I understand." Although there is no denying her former career, I do think the Duchess should perhaps try not to refer to it too much, given her position in the press at the moment of living too much like a Hollywood A list celebrity, and not a British Royal Family Duchess, following her private Baby Shower in New York. The Duke and Duchess also took part in a pony grooming session. The programme is funded by Morocco's King Mohammed VI. The Duchess wore skinny jeans with a stripy top and green coat. The couple received gifts including a painting, from local children. Meghan held the painting up to have a good look at it.
Later, the couple visited a market and ate Moroccan pancakes prepared by schoolchildren, using a recipe from the cookbook that the Duchess has supported, called, “Together: Our Community Cookbook.” The cookbook uses recipes from the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen in London, that supports victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Duchess has helped publicise the book to raise funds for the community endeavour. The children who cooked were assisted by Moha Fedal, one of Morocco’s top chefs. "I hope to cook for you next time," the chef told the couple. "You come with your baby to Marrakech next time." Meghan replied, "We would love to."
The couple then attended an entrepreneur's market in the walled public Andalusian Gardens in Rabat. The Duchess changed into a black dress and white jacket for the visit. I think this was her best outfit during the trip. The couple were conducted around the market, being shown a picture of Prince Charles, and Meghan being gifted a necklace. They were also upstaged by a wandering cat at one point!
After that, Meghan wore a blue print Carolina Hererra dress for their final engagement; a meeting with the King of Morocco. The couple were seen walking into the King’s royal residence with him, before having a private audience with him. Harry presented the King with a letter from Queen Elizabeth II.
Conclusion:
Overall the trip was a success. It achieved its aims of shining a light on women's empowerment, girls' education, inclusivity and the encouragement of social entrepreneurship. It strengthened ties between the two nations. But I cannot help looking at it through a tarnished lens after everything that has been reported in the press about the Duchess’ private life; her baby shower in New York. The couple are excellent at casual engagements and being down to earth, but I wonder if sometimes they lack the professionalism we see in other royals, and that is needed sometimes to give weight and value to their work. To give it credit for how significant it is and for other people to respect it. It is, after all, their job. After the Duchess’ baby shower reports, a bit more regality and professionalism would not have gone amiss. But it was still an excellent tour that has helped strengthen bonds and encouraged those making a difference in the lives of children and young people in Morocco.