Royals

Harry and Meghan make an early start in Tonga ahead of return to Australia

Oct 26, 2018

The royal couple are due to fly back to Sydney on Friday. Source: Getty.

They arrived in the Pacific kingdom of Tonga just yesterday but, adhering to their strict tour schedule, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are already preparing to leave the country and head back to Australia, following another busy morning of official engagements.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva early on Friday morning as they toured the St George Government Buildings in the capital city of Nuku’alofa.

The royal couple beamed as they met Pohiva, along with other Cabinet ministers and 50 civil servants who donned traditional red and black outfits in honour of their special guests, while a number of youngsters also turned out to greet the duke and duchess, with one holding a sign that read “free hugs” which made Meghan smile.

The couple were greeted by 50 civil servants. Source: Getty.

Meghan looked radiant in a simple yet elegant green and white striped dress by Australian-born fashion designer Martin Grant, while Harry was dressed smartly in a pale grey suit with a light blue tie.

The duchess looked stunning in the collarless shirt dress which featured three quarter length sleeves and a belted waist, which she had tied in a bow, and the newest royal paired the dress with a pair of olive green suede stiletto heels, which looked remarkably similar to those she wore earlier this year at the christening of Prince Louis.

On Thursday evening Harry and wife Meghan attended a formal banquet at the official residence of the King and Queen of Tonga, where the Duke of Sussex gave a touching speech during the event at Consular House in Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, thanking King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u for welcoming him and wife Meghan and for their “world renowned” hospitality.

He also shared a special message from Her Majesty the Queen, saying: “I would like to end by reading a special message from my grandmother The Queen. Your Majesties, it gives me great pleasure that my grandson and his wife are visiting The Kingdom of Tonga. 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.

“To this day, I remember with fondness Queen Salote’s attendance at my own Coronation, while Prince Philip and I have cherished memories from our three wonderful visits to your country in 1953, 1970 and 1977. In the months and years ahead, I wish Your Majesties and the people of Tonga every good fortune and happiness.”

The royal couple made an early start on Friday, ahead of their return to Australia. Source: Getty.

The Duke and Duchess will head back to Sydney today, ahead of the official Invictus Games closing ceremony which will take place tomorrow at Sydney Olympic Park

And the event will be extra poignant for the soon to be parents, as the gospel choir who gave a stunning performance at the royal wedding earlier this year will perform at the event, marking the end of this years games which honours wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel.