Cheering Kiwi Crowds Greet Royals In Wellington
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have laid a wreath in a ceremony at the national war memorial in Wellington, while a crowd of more than 2000 people watched yesterday. A scream rang out from the large crowd as the couple arrived at their only public walkabout in Wellington.
Ahead of their public obligations, the pair laid a wreath of fern fronds on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior before bowing their heads for a moment of silence as The Last Post played. The Duke was awarded with the Badge in Gold, New Zealand’s highest honour, giving recognition of his work with injured veterans.
The badge was presented by RSA national president B.J. Clark, with the Duchess pinning it on her husband.
The pair smiled happily as they ascended the war memorial steps to the crowd, all armed with smartphones.
Earlier the couple were officially welcomed at Government House, where they were welcomed with a hongi.
Prince Harry was then invited to pick up a dagger after a challenge by three Māori warriors. Meeting with the Governor General, Prince Harry complemented the flowers on the table and ordered an English breakfast tea.
“It’s just a short visit but I know we’ve got a full programme, so we’re able to see as much as possible,” the prince said.
The Governor General said New Zealanders were delighted to have them and welcomed them both back, as both have been to New Zealand before.
Prince Harry and Meghan travelled from Sydney with Invictus Games athletes and their RNZAF plane touched down in Wellington just before 3pm, much to the delight of fans, who had gathered around the sides of the terminal eager for a glimpse of the royals. Before touchdown a police dog was brought into the terminal to sniff through the bags of waiting media.
Invictus Games athletes were the first to leave the plane. They were quickly followed by the royal party and then the Duke and Duchess. The pair held hands as they came down the stairs to applause from those gathered.
Meghan’s hair was in a sleek bun and she wore a brown checkered Karen Walker coat and a simple black dress from ASOS. Both royals were wearing a red poppy.
Once off the plane yesterday, they were welcomed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and his wife, before stopping for a photograph with the athletes.
By 3.18pm the couple had left the tarmac, smiling and waving to those at the fence line, who were cheering and whistling.