Meghan Markle, Prince Harry tour: Couple leave Fiji for Tonga
MEGHAN Markle stunned in a white, full-length couture dress at a reception and dinner with the King and Queen of Tonga, where the conversation centred around her baby news.
MEGHAN Markle stunned in a white, full-length dress at a reception and dinner with the King and Queen of Tonga overnight.
The dress from THEIA couture was accessorised with Aquazzura shoes, Birks earrings, a Givenchy clutch and a ring from the collection of her husband Prince Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana.
The label is inspired by the Greek Goddess Theia, and their mission suits Meghan’s beliefs to a tee.
Their website states: “Inspired by the Greek Goddess THEIA, this evening wear, bridal and day dress collection was created to bring out every woman’s inner goddess.
“One of the original Titans, THEIA who ruled during the Greek Golden Age, possessed the incredible power of light which radiated from her sparkling eyes.
“All that she gazed upon glittered, becoming luminous and radiant.
“She imbued gold and silver with their shine. She gave diamonds their fire and rubies and emeralds their sparkle.
“Her three children; Helios the sun, Celene the moon, and Eos the dawn, all continue to bring light in to the world everyday.
“The woman who wears THEIA will be filled with confidence knowing her dress fits wonderfully and looks beautiful on her, thus naturally allowing her inner goddess to shine.”
As the royal pair arrived a band played Imagine by John Lennon before they met local dignitaries and sporting personalities, where the conversation centred on their baby news.
Justice Charles Cato, a New Zealand judge, and his Russian wife, Miriam were at the dinner.
Mrs Cato said: “I asked, how does she feel. She (the Duchess) responded ‘Very well, thank you.’ I said ‘no visible signs yet.”
The Duchess then looked down at the front of her dress and laughed in agreement, she said.
Mrs Cato, 41, added: “As a doctor, I was a bit concerned about her taking all these long trips. I’m a mother of two. I know how it feels.
“I asked her to take care of herself. She promised to do so.”
Addressing the dinner, the Duke said: “We are deeply grateful to you all for welcoming Meghan and me Tongatapu.
“Coming to Tonga I feel very much as though I am coming to visit an extended family.”
Prince Harry also shared a message from his grandmother, the Queen.
“It gives me great pleasure that my grandson and his wife are visiting The Kingdom of Tonga,” the Queen said.
“Our two families have enjoyed a deep and warm friendship over many years, and I hope that our close relationship continues with the next generation.”
He praised the locals for making them feel at home.
“Tongan hospitality is world renowned; your islands are stunningly beautiful offering tourists rugged coastlines, humpback whales and coral reefs.
“Tonga’s sporting prowess is legendary; you are formidable on the rugby pitch, and you were the first Pacific island nation to win a medal at the Olympics! Is there no end to your talents?
“For a small population you have a very large presence on the world stage — a product of your talent and drive.”
Meanwhile, the normally impeccable Meghan Markle was left red-faced when she made an embarrassing faux pas as she touched down in Tonga with Prince Harry.
After an impromptu Nadi airport walkabout — where she again held her baby bump — the newlyweds landed in Tonga on Thursday afternoon, where they were welcomed by princess Angelika Latufuipeka.
After a clothing change midair, the Duchess wore a red Self Portrait dress upon arrival in Tonga, mirroring the national flag.
She made a minor fashion faux par, however, as the clothing tag was visible.
The duchess paired the outfit with a Dior clutch and Manolo Blahnik heels.
Children lined the royal route as they made their way from the airport.
Tomorrow, the royal pair will visit the Pacific’s oldest high school before flying to Sydney to attend the Australian Geographic Society Awards.
Kensington Palace last night described it as an annual “gathering of Australia’s best in exploration, science and conservation”.
“Their Royal Highnesses will present youth awards to honour the highest achievements in conservation and adventure, and The Duke will give an address,” a Palace spokeswoman said.
The couple will attend the Invictus Games’ closing ceremony before flying to New Zealand.
IN PICTURES: The best photos from the royal tour
Earlier, the pair were greeted by cheering crowds as they arrived at Fiji’s Nadi Airport for a special event.
Meghan stunned in a $2400 Jason Wu dress while Prince Harry donned a smart grey suit as they unveiled a new statue commemorating Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba, a British-Fijian soldier who lost his life in the 1972 Battle of Mirbat.
The soldier’s son was also presented with a bravery medal in his honour.
The special occasion was not without more Kava drinking for the Duke, who also blessed animal horns.
Harry then addressed the masses — including tourists whose flights were delayed for the ceremony — while saying hello and goodbye in the local language.
He said: “The Duchess and I are leaving with special memories of your beautiful country and look forward to returning in the future.”
During a quick walkabout, the couple met local schoolchildren before leaving for Tonga.
The soldier’s son, Isaia Dere Labalaba, 53, later spoke of his pride.
He told News Corp Australia that Prince Harry told him his father was a “hero and warrior who served his Queen and country”.
“I’m so excited, so happy today and I am very proud,” he said.
“He was a really family man, my father.
“It is a great honour that (the Duke) has agreed to do this.”
Meghan and Harry were also treated to a traditional leaving ceremony.
MEGHAN AND HARRY’S SECRET HIDEAWAY REVEALED
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the night at an exclusive island before kicking off day three of their Fiji visit.
It can be revealed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stayed at Vatuvara Private Island resort on Kaibu, where three villas sit atop a lush 324 hectares.
It was once ranked the most expensive island in the world at $75 million ($A106 million), and a one-night stay in a single-bedroom villa starts at $5375 ($A7600).
The resort is a short flight east from Suva, and it’s understood the couple travelled there by seaplane.
The island relaxation was likely to be well needed for the pregnant Duchess, after a hectic day which saw her rushed out of an official engagement amid security concerns.
Fiji Tourism Minister Fiayaz Koya told News Corp Australia that the island was “beautiful and stunning”.
“I think they would have thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” he said at Nadi airport as crowds waited for the royal couple.
“It is like anything in Fiji.”
MEGHAN’S TRICK TO AVOID ZIKA
A stylish trick by Meghan Markle has reduced her risk of contracting Zika virus while visiting Fiji.
There were health concerns for the Duchess when she revealed she would tour Fiji and Tonga with Prince Harry after announcing her pregnancy last week.
Both countries have had recent outbreaks of the mosquito-borne virus, with the Department of Health advising women delay non-essential travel to places affected by the disease.
Her virus prevention efforts are revealed in her wardrobe choices, with the Duchess rolling out a stylish selection of more loosely-fitted clothes.
Her stunning white Zimmermann dress worn on her first day in Fiji, and her casual-looking ruffle dress worn yesterday had one thing in common that can help prevent mosquito bites — they both had sleeves.
“Wearing long sleeves and baggy clothes will help,” Head of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine James Logan said, according to Express.
“Mosquitos can even bite through jeans so if the clothing is loose it’s much harder for the mosquito to bite.
“Wearing light-coloured clothing can help as these mosquitoes are often attracted to dark clothing. It also helps you spot them, if you see a dark mosquito on a light piece of clothing.”
It’s likely the Duchess would also be wearing mosquito repellent, Prof Logan said.
Fiji is a “Category 2” country for the Zika virus, according to the World Health Organisation.
The WHO defines this as: “(An) area either with evidence of Zika virus circulation before 2015 OR with ongoing transmission but the area does not satisfy the criteria for category 1 or 3. Areas in category 2 may also experience an outbreak of Zika.”
Tonga is classified as a “Category 1” area by the WHO, an area “with new introduction of Zika virus since 2015 or area where the virus has been reintroduced, with ongoing transmission”.
The virus can cause birth defects including small heads, brain damage, blindness and deafness.