from the desk of The Weekly’s Nicole Byers
They came, they laughed, they hugged, they even announced they were having a baby. No one could accuse Prince Harry and his new bride Meghan of not delivering during their action-packed Aussie tour. And, of course, The Weekly’s intrepid royal reporter Juliet Rieden was with them every step of the way, from rattling around Melbourne on a tram to ferry rides to Fraser Island and downpours in Dubbo. Juliet witnessed rsthand the “Meghan effect” as the new royal dazzled the cheering crowds (see page 18). It was plain to see this is a young woman very much at ease and in love, and whose spontaneous displays of affection and loving glances at her equally smitten husband warmed hearts wherever they went.
As if a baby announcement and a tour wasn’t royal excitement enough, we also had the joy of witnessing Princess Eugenie head down the same aisle in St George’s Chapel that Harry and Meghan walked earlier this year. Eugenie wore the look of love nearly as well as she did her stunning off-the-shoulder gown as she wed her own Prince Charming, and we couldn’t resist bringing you all the photos and details of her big day (page 48).
Not to be forgotten is Prince Charles, who amidst all the excitement swirling around the young royals is celebrating his 70th birthday this month. Juliet spoke exclusively to the passionate Prince about his beloved Highgrove Garden and the important role it has played in his life, from evoking his grandmother’s spirit to providing a place to watch his own children and grandchildren frolic and delight in (page 110). And soon enough, there will be one more royal grandchild to enjoy the love of a doting grandfather and the fruits of his green thumb.