Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in Fiji to full regalia

By MiNDFOOD

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive in Suva, Fiji, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool via REUTERS - RC1CF084B000
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive in Suva, Fiji, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool via REUTERS - RC1CF084B000

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in Fiji after flying in from Queensland, Australia.

The royal couple touched down after an in-flight costume change (after being spotted leaving Australia), with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex wearing a long-sleeved cream dress by Australian label Zimmerman and matching headpiece, and Prince Harry a grey suit and military medals.

The Duchess paired her Australian-designed dress with earrings gifted from the Queen, and a bracelet that was given to her by Prince Charles, for the formal arrival.

Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrive in Suva, Fiji, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool via REUTERS

The royal couple were greeted by a guard of honour waiting for them on the tarmac and a welcome ceremony at 4pm local time.

It’s expected about 15,000 locals will attend a traditional welcome ceremony for Duke and Duchess in Suva. 

The ceremony, known as the Veirqaraqaravi Vakavanua, embodies Fijian cultural identity and heritage, and will mirror in format that of the one attended by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1953. It will involve a number of traditional elements of Fijian culture, including dance performances, the presentation of the Tabua, and a Kava ceremony. 

The Duke and Duchess will be staying at the Grand Pacific Hotel, and are this evening expected to attend a Reception and a State Dinner hosted by The President of Fiji, at which Prince Harry will speak.

It has been a jam-packed trip so far for the newlyweds, who revealed the ultimate surprise when they announced their pregnancy upon landing in Sydney.

After a gruelling week of engagements, the duchess cut back on some planned appearances on Sunday so she could rest.

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