Harry and Meghan head to Fiji in latest leg of Pacific tour
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will head to Fiji on Tuesday after greeting koalas and crowds during their time in Australia.
Cute Koalas and big crowds on day one of #RoyalVisitAustralia in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/koWbDF6j7f
— Dominic Lipinski (@domlipinski) October 16, 2018
The couple, expecting their first baby in spring, are currently part-way through a 16-day tour which also includes engagements in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.
Sydney was the first destination for Harry and Meghan with the couple receiving the first presents for their new baby from Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
The Duke and Duchess have been presented with a kangaroo toy by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove 📸 @RE_DailyMailpic.twitter.com/9B60jRKGSJ
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 15, 2018
He and Lady Cosgrove gifted the pair a toy kangaroo and its joey during a reception at their residence Admiralty House.
The pair went on to greet their namesake koalas at Taronga Zoo before visiting crowds outside the Sydney Opera House.
Crowds wait for a glimpse of Harry and Meghan at the Opera House pic.twitter.com/2Ap2r0JHHe
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 16, 2018
Dubbo was the next destination – where Harry and Meghan learnt about the impact of drought in the rural New South Wales city and were promptly drenched by a heavy downpour in Victoria Park.
Harry and Meghan arrive in Dubbo #RoyalVisitAustraliapic.twitter.com/oVCH17qvki
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 16, 2018
The couple then headed south to Melbourne and were treated to the classic combination of Australian Rules football, kangaroo and the beach.
The Duchess tried her hand at Aussie Rules – or footy – while the Sussexes then rode a tram to meet pupils on the beach to learn about their efforts to keep the sands clean.
The trade period might be over, but next week's NAB #AFLWDraft remains an option for the Duchess of Sussex 👌 @KensingtonRoyal
📷: @domlipinski/@PAImagespic.twitter.com/e347U74k1Y
— AFL (@AFL) October 18, 2018
From one beach to another and the world-famous Bondi was the next destination where the couple joined an anti-bad vibes circle to discuss mental health and received a mini lifeguard uniform for the new baby from the stars of Bondi Rescue.
Harry reached new heights as he raised the Invictus Games flag alongside three competitors and an ambassador on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the eve of the opening ceremony.
Saturday saw the Duke wear the tropical dress of his Blues and Royals regiment as he opened the extension of the Anzac memorial in Sydney which commemorates the war dead from Australia and New Zealand.
Officer and gentleman: Harry wears the tropical dress of his regiment, the Blues and Royals, with medals, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order badge and sword at the Anzac Memorial, Sydney 📸Ian Vogler/UK Pool #RoyalVisitAustraliapic.twitter.com/EloAFeeBaQ
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 20, 2018
An electrical storm delayed the start of the Invictus Games opening ceremony on the Saturday evening, but the Duke eventually took to the stage on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House to praise the Invictus Generation who have shown “the true meaning of resilience”.
He told the 500 participants, family members, friends and members of the public: “The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognised.
“They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like.”
The nations have been paraded – a big cheer for the United Kingdom, but Australia got the most support… @InvictusSydney#RoyalVisitAustraliapic.twitter.com/Xki2xUdQin
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 20, 2018
The couple then travelled to the world’s largest sand island off the coast of Queensland.
Meghan rested before joining Harry for a walkabout on the Kingfisher Bay Jetty, on Fraser Island, where she held her baby bump and the couple were given soft toys and a changing mat.
"Rangas Rule"? Well that's one way to make Harry stop… #RoyalVisitAustraliapic.twitter.com/3IgizDxIvK
— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) October 22, 2018
The couple will return to Australia on Friday to watch competitors take part in the Invictus Games ahead of Saturday’s closing ceremony.