Style

Radiant Meghan wears boho-inspired pink dress for first speech of tour

Oct 24, 2018

Meghan has pulled out yet another show-stopping look on the ninth day of her royal tour. Source: Getty

After sporting a stunning blue, caped gown at Tuesday night’s state dinner in Fiji, the Duchess of Sussex pulled out yet another show-stopping look on the ninth day of her royal tour with Prince Harry.

Meghan stepped out in a summery pink dress from bohemian-inspired label Figue on Wednesday, as she and Harry visited the University of the South Pacific in Suva.

The pair appear to have embraced the relaxed vibe of the South Pacific island nation, and sported more casual outfits as they watched a cultural performance on the effects of climate change and chatted to the crowd of locals who had turned out to greet them.

Meghan’s gorgeous bright dress, which retails for $1,945, featured pom-pom and seashell details on the skirt and a ruffled, asymmetrical hem. She paired the colourful frock with her favourite black espadrilles by Castañer and wore her hair pulled back in a relaxed up-do. Meanwhile, Harry was relaxed in a casual Fiji-style shirt, black pants and brown lace-up shoes.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji on Wednesday. Source: Getty

The university visit was a particularly special occasion for Meghan, who gave her first speech of the Commonwealth tour, passionately talking about the importance of education, especially for girls.

The duchess shared her own personal experiences of struggling to afford university fees when she was in her early twenties and trying to navigate America’s expensive higher education system.

“As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university,” she told students.

“From the moment you receive your acceptance letter to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni to the moment that you receive your diploma, the journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one. I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world, myself included.

"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.” — The Duchess of Sussex at @UniSouthPacific #RoyalVisitFiji pic.twitter.com/ZWXxiBNcEY

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 24, 2018

“It was through scholarships, work study and my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition that I was able to attend university. And without question it was worth every effort.

“Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive education that they want but, more importantly, the education that they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.”

She ended her speech by saying: “My husband Harry and I wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and your work. Your efforts now will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large.”

Thank you to everyone at @UniSouthPacific, in their Golden Jubilee year, for the fantastic welcome for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex today to celebrate #USP50! #RoyalVisitFiji pic.twitter.com/CvYFaCmvoq

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 24, 2018

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex and an actress, Meghan was a student at the prestigious Northwestern University in Illinois, United States. She double-majored in theatre and international relations and later interned at the US embassy in Argentina.

Meghan will stop by the Suva Market later this morning and have tea at the British High Commissioner’s residence while Prince Harry tours the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

The royal couple are also set to visit Tonga and New Zealand in the coming days before returning to Sydney for the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games.