Editor’s letter

It was on Stewart Island just three years ago that charming Prince Harry told us how much he longed to find a sweetheart to share his life with. From memory, we all said “awww” in unison and tried desperately to think of the perfect woman for the Prince of Hearts.

I’ve adored Harry since he was a cheeky cherub and was thrilled when he finally found his princess in Meghan Markle. Their wonderful wedding was magical – only eclipsed by the news the newlyweds were expecting a little one. Bless! So it was with bated breath that Woman’s

Day waited for the royal lovebirds to visit us at the end of their 16-day tour of the South Pacific. Deputy Editor Sebastian van der Zwan was our amazing royal reporter, whizzing around the country with the British press on planes, choppers and automobiles – and putting up with my calling at inopportune times for the lowdown. Our man on the spot says Kiwis went mad for Meghan and Harry, and the new duchess’ star power was plain to see from the get-go. We’d grimaced when we saw the forecast for their tour, but Seb reckons the weather didn’t dampen any spirits and the royals warmed the nation’s hearts.

I think we all feel we know Harry pretty well, but after a whirlwind romance, there’s been much mystery surrounding glamorous Meghan. However, having seen her on NZ soil, she seemed so warm and down to earth – no more so than when she was barefoot at a Rotorua marae and loving every minute of her experience. She appeared to genuinely shine there as she was embraced in our culture.

I’d already been won over by Meghan when she gave that amazing feminist speech at Government House, but when I saw how she resonated with the Rotorua experience, I was wowed. Wrapped in a beautiful korowai feather cloak with a pounamu around her neck, her mana was plain to see.

Haere ra, Harry and Meghan!