Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Meghan’s blueming
Duchess dazzles at glitzy bash
THE Duchess of Sussex cradles her growing baby bump at a lavish reception with Prince Harry on the first day of their royal visit to Fiji.
Meghan dazzled guests in a Fijian blue designer dress and a pair of diamond earrings, said by sources to have been loaned to her by the Queen.
They later attended a state dinner hosted by the president of Fiji, Jioji Konrote, at the luxurious Grand Pacific Hotel in the capital Suva.
Harry paid respects to his hosts in a speech and told of his admiration for Fijian soldiers, a number of whom he served alongside in Afghanistan.
He said: “We share Commonwealth values and common goals – a love of rugby and a sense of humour.
“All over the world Fiji is renowned for its incredible natural beauty and hospitality. We, as a couple, feel very lucky to be your guests.”
The royal couple are staying at the Grand Pacific, which has previously hosted the Queen and Prince Charles.
Harry and Meghan were earlier offered roast pig and a whale’s tooth at a welcoming ceremony in a Suva park.
Wet weather did not stop thousands of people packing surrounding streets.
The Duchess of Sussex waved to the cheering crowds from the motorcade.
Harry told them: “Bula vinaka [Hello]! The Duchess and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the next two days.”
The royal couple will spend one more day in Fiji before travelling to Tonga for a whistle-stop tour. They then go back to Sydney for the Invictus Games closing ceremony on Saturday.