Meghan’s Kiwi tribute
Meghan Markle hasn’t even touched down on Kiwi soil, and she’s already donning our designers’ creations.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex are on their first royal tour of the South Pacific since getting married in May. Interest in the pair has intensified since it was announced she is pregnant with their first child.
Meghan wore an Emilia Wickstead dress to the opening of an Anzac war memorial at Sydney’s Hyde Park yesterday.
And on Friday she was photographed wearing $398 Karen Walker gold studs at an event on Bondi Beach.
These may be the first of a handful of New Zealand designers to be showcased during the tour. Fashion insider Murray Bevan, of the PR firm Showroom 22, said Kiwi designers had been approached for the royal tour. However, he couldn’t say what other designers may have been contacted.
‘‘Some of our clients have been contacted, but they’ve signed [nondisclosure agreements] and we can’t divulge who they are,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, government planners were unsure exactly how much the trip would cost Kiwis.
While in New Zealand, the couple will visit Wellington, Abel Tasman, Auckland, and Rotorua and will be accompanied by an entourage of about 10 people. They will include Meghan’s Canadian best friend and stylist, Jessica Mulroney, a celebrity hairdresser, a press secretary, communications officers, someone to look after the flowers the Duchess is given, and someone to oversee the luggage.
The pair will take day trips to both Abel Tasman National Park and Rotorua. If they travel between Abel Tasman and Wellington via helicopter, at least two will be needed. That would cost at least $13,000 for the day, if hired from private operators.
A humble barbecue was planned for dinner on Monday, October 29, in the Abel Tasman. The next day they fly to Auckland to unveil a plaque at a native bush reserve on the North Shore.
The New Zealand Defence Force would not confirm how the royal entourage would travel. If an air force plane was used, each flight would cost about $50,000.
As well as transport, the other major costs would be security and government hospitality.
There were two receptions planned: one at Government House in Wellington and another with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland.