Royals

Meghan and Harry take part in Kiwi ‘welly wanging’ contest

Oct 30, 2018

Meghan and Prince Harry, pictured, braved the heavy downpour as they arrived at Redvale on Auckland's north shore on Tuesday. Source: Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Commonwealth tour has been an elegant affair full of decorum and formal events, but on Tuesday the pair rolled up their sleeves for some good old-fashioned Kiwi fun.

The royal couple braved the heavy downpour as they arrived at Redvale on Auckland’s north shore to take part in a well wanging contest – a classic New Zealand game where contestants compete to see who can fling a gumboot the furthest.

Harry and Meghan couldn’t contain their laughter as they went head-to-head to see how far they could hurl their gumboots. They were pictured sharing a giggle as Meghan stepped up to throw her red-and-white polka dot ‘welly’ in front of royal fans.

The mother-to-be managed to beat her husband, chucking her boot further than his, winning a gumboot trophy and an adorable pair of baby boots.

📽 The Duchess of Sussex’s red team won the welly wanging contest, beating The Duke’s yellow team! #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/D5REmCCJfM

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018

The pair happily chatted with local children at the event, who were more than happy to give the royal pair a few tips on how to toss their wellies like a pro.

While Meghan has delighted fashionistas with her style choices throughout the two-week tour, she opted for a more casual look for morning’s activities, wearing skinny jeans and a black blazer, which she teamed with Muck Boot Company gumboots.

Prince Harry also donned gumboots, along with grey pants, brown coat and a crispy white shirt.

Meghan and Prince Harry braved the heavy downpour as they arrived at Redvale on Auckland's north shore on Tuesday. Source: Getty — Meghan and Prince Harry braved the heavy downpour as they arrived at Redvale on Auckland’s north shore on Tuesday. Source: Getty

The pair were in attendance to dedicate 20 hectares of native bush to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy — a royal initiative that began in 2015 to encourage conservation efforts throughout the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

“My wife and I are delighted to be here at the opening of this covenant, which will form part of The QueensCanopy network,” Prince Harry said in a speech at the event.

Today The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a @QueensCanopy dedication at North Shore Riding Club— to be named the Carol Whaley Native Bush, honouring a long-standing supporter of riding and conservation. #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/HEiMUgxisT

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 29, 2018

Read more: ‘Our little bump’: Prince Harry’s sweet speech for Meghan and baby

Meghan then planted a Kōwhai tree — the flower of which was one of 53 on the veil she wore on her wedding day. Each flower on the veil represented a nation of the Commonwealth.

The couple are scheduled to join New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a charity event on Tuesday afternoon, before joining the PM for a formal reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the evening.

The Duke and Duchess arrived in New Zealand on Sunday after a whirlwind trip to Australia, Fiji and Tonga.

On Monday, Harry and Meghan visited a cafe in Wellington where they met with a number of young people working on mental health projects, before greeting local school children outside. They later visited the Courtenay Creative in the city where they met students and professionals working in Wellington’s vibrant film and creative industries.