Irish Daily Mirror

Flour power babies boost

Duchess dazzles at glitzy bash

- BY RUSSELL MYERS Royal Correspond­ent russell.myers@mirror.co.uk

Bread HEALTH bosses are considerin­g adding folic acid to bread to reduce the risk of birth defects in babies.

The UK Government has begun a consultati­on on adding a synthetic version of the B vitamin to flour.

Folic acid can prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: “My priority is to make sure that, if introduced, we are certain it is safe and beneficial for all.” 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.

 ??  ?? CROWN JEWEL Duchess in the Queen’s earrings at Fiji reception LOOK OF LOVE At welcoming ceremony TRADITIONA­L Roast pig is brought out
CROWN JEWEL Duchess in the Queen’s earrings at Fiji reception LOOK OF LOVE At welcoming ceremony TRADITIONA­L Roast pig is brought out
 ??  ?? USE YOUR LOAF
USE YOUR LOAF

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