FROM THE EDITOR

Nearly four years ago, Meghan Markle was blowing off some steam on a rare holiday from her hit TV show Suits, whilst no doubt also coming to terms with the end of her first marriage the year prior.

At the insistence of her costar, she donned a pair of Ugg boots, hired a campervan and took his advice on a dream Kiwi itinerary that saw her drive to many of the South Island’s best spots over 10 days, with a final four days in a beachside bach on Waiheke Island.

But while she was sitting on that beach with sandy feet and without a scrap of make-up on, casually eating fish and chips washed down with a Speight’s beer, she couldn’t in a million years have been able to guess the circumstances that would next bring her to our shores.

The new duchess, who made this tour especially memorable by having the precious cargo of her and Prince Harry’s unborn child along for the journey, dazzled New Zealanders this last week – and we were pretty darn happy to see her and

Harry back here.

It was certainly a different side of our country Meghan saw this time around, but the friendliness and kindness she got from everyday Kiwis didn’t change from her first low-key adventure here, which just goes to show the great nature of

NZers – you don’t have to be a duchess to receive some good Kiwi hospitality.

It’s been a pleasure having the royal duo in New Zealand – we’re certainly looking forward to their next visit here with an extra-special young person with them.

Enjoy your week!