Monday 10 September 2018

Autumn Tour Details and Dates Released!

Kensington Palace kicked off the week by announcing eagerly awaited details about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Autumn tour to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. We had long suspected this tour would be both a lengthy and packed one. Judging from today's early details, that very much appears to be the case. The tour will take place between Tuesday 16th October and Wednesday 31st October.



'Their Royal Highnesses have been invited to visit the Commonwealth Realms of Australia and New Zealand by the countries' respective governments. The Duke and Duchess will visit Fiji and Tonga at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.'

The programme across the four Commonwealth countries will focus on youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts – including the dedication of several new Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy projects – and the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen and women through the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.


Whilst a detailed itinerary is embargoed for the time being, we do have an outline of how the couple will divide their time between the four countries. Harry and Meghan will touch down in Sydney on Tuesday 16 October. Their time in Sydney will be largely focused on the Invictus Games. The official medal designs for the games were released last week. Produced by the Royal Australian Mint, the medals draw inspiration from native Australian flora and feature extracts from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley.


Wednesday, 17 October, will see the couple travel to Dubbo in New South Wales. MP Troy Grant said: "I welcome the announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be visiting Dubbo whilst in Australia for the Invictus Games next month. Dubbo is the only regional destination in NSW that the Duke and Duchess will be visiting. Having previously met Prince Harry last year when he visited Sydney to promote the Invictus Games, and Prince Charles and Camilla on their Royal Tour of Australia in 2015, I am thrilled they have chosen Dubbo as the regional destination of choice. Dubbo is a thriving regional area, with salt of the earth people. I’m sure that everyone will be eager to showcase all that Dubbo has to offer and provide the Duke and Duchess and a very warm welcome." Below, the plains of the Dubbo region.


Thursday, 18 October will see Harry and Meghan spend the day in Melbourne.


More from the Herald Sun:

'During their visit to Victoria on October 18, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will meet a cross-section of youth and community groups who run programs aimed at empowering people through sport.
The sixth-in-line to the throne and his US actor wife will also attend a handful of official engagements ­focusing on education, conservation and sustainability programs.'

It's back to Sydney from the 19th - 21st for a series of events supporting Invictus. We're likely to see the couple attend receptions and meet teams before the Opening Ceremony. We also expect to see them cheering on athletes on the 21st.


They will spend Monday 22nd on the stunning Fraser Island - a heritage-listed island located along the southeastern coast of the state of Queensland.


Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th October mark the second leg of the tour with Harry and Meghan travelling to Suva, Fiji. The Commonwealth country in the South Pacific, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It's famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons.


Thursday 25 October begins in Nadi, Fiji.


Later that day, they will travel to Nuku’alofa, Tonga where they will stay overnight before returning to Sydney for the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games.


The Birsbane Times reports:

'Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the visit, which would coincide with the Invictus Games in Sydney, "Their visit will be an opportunity to promote the incredible achievements of Invictus athletes from around the world, and showcase Australian programs promoting youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts, and will include a visit to a dedication to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative on Fraser Island," he said. "I look forward to welcoming The Duke and The Duchess of Sussex to Australia next month."
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was quick to welcome the upcoming visit to Fraser Island, the date of which had not been confirmed. “We are honoured and delighted to receive their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and I’m sure many Queenslanders will be excited by the news and will offer a warm Queensland welcome,” she said. “Queensland has hosted many royal visits over the decades and this will be particularly exciting, as the Duke and the Duchess will be visiting one of our most beautiful and iconic locations.”

The New Zealand portion of the tour begins on Sunday, 28 October in Wellington. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington."


More from the New Zealand Herald:

'Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed the announcement.
"It's wonderful news that the Duke and Duchess are coming to New Zealand as part of their first major tour outside the United Kingdom. I know they will receive a very warm Kiwi welcome wherever they go," Ardern said. "I hope many New Zealanders will have the opportunity to see the Duke and Duchess as they visit some of our beautiful provinces and national parks, and experience our hospitality."
Harry and Meghan will arrive in New Zealand after attending the Invictus Games in Sydney and visiting Fiji and Tonga. The pair got married earlier this year in May and the New Zealand visit will be a part of their first major tour outside the United Kingdom.
Both have visited the country separately in the past - Meghan travelled around the country in 2015 and Harry has been here previously on Royal duties. After some advice from her former Suits star Gabriel Macht, Meghan ventured around the country in a campervan with a friend. Prince Harry also visited the country in 2015, his Royal Highness undertook an official Royal tour in May following an invitation from the Government.'

It's Abel Tasman National Park on Monday, 29 October. The wilderness reserve is located at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a long trail winding over beaches and across ridges between Marahau in the south and Wainui in the north.


It's Auckland on Tuesday, 30 October.


The tour will come to a close in Rotorua on Wednesday, 31 October. The town, set on its namesake lake on New Zealand's North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.


The full outline.


The news made the papers Down Under.



Given the length of the tour and the area they will be covering, I imagine we can expect to see the couple undertake at least 50 engagements. Reporters Omid Scobie and Emily Andrews believe we'll see Meghan carry out one of her first solo engagements during the trip. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the full schedule. Watch this space :)

110 comments:

  1. 50+ (!!!!) engagements? WOW!! I can´t wait!! I´m SO GLAD that Meghan stays true to her words - she truly "hits the ground running"!! BRAVO!!!
    Thanks so much for the first details & the lovely photos - made me even more excited!! How will you cope, dearest Charlotte, with 16 DAYS FULL OF ACTION? How will we cope? ;-))) Ahh, this is so exciting!!

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    1. Should we set up a GoFundMe for Charlotte's coffee and for her wine when done?

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    2. Eve, we are definitely going to be busy! :) How exciting!! Thank you, Charlotte!

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    3. bluhare - sounds like a good idea!!

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  2. How exciting! I’m looking forward to this tour, and the possibility of a solo engagement for Meghan.

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    1. I think I would be sad(?) if Meghan’s first solo engagement was on the tour. I feel like her first solo would be better done someone in England proper. Not sure why I feel that way exactly, as these countries are all part of the Commonwealth, but I do.

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  3. Stunning photos and thank you for outlining this for us. Grueling is what comes to mind, but it's par for the course I guess. Does anyone know how many assistants, secretaries, dressers will accompany them when they travel like this?

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    1. I would say a lot of people. During their two day Ireland tour, it was reported they had an entourage of eleven. I quickly googled, Hello reported that this included a hairdresser, PA, Harry's private secretary, Meghan's assistant private secretary, their advisor (Sir David Manning), Kensington Palace Communications secretary, two press officers and a digital media photographer. A staff photograph was released from William and Kate's tour of Germany and Poland last year and it contains 18 people, including Nanny Maria. So I guess a similar number for Harry and Meghan?

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    2. it takes a village. I would look this good and not overwhelmed if I had this too. Good for them

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    3. Hee hee Theresa, it does take a village and she does have lots of help but for me just constantly having that may people around, even in a helping mode would get tiresome on a tour.

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    4. I feel the same way and my next thought, I would hate to show up disheveled because people on the blogs would notice:)

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  4. This is great! Can't wait. Thanks Charlotte for the update.

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  5. So exciting! I can’t wait for this tour!

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  6. Wow can’t wait for the tour, Fraser Island and Fiji look beautiful. can’t wait to see all of her outfits, hopefully she will mix it up with dresses and pant suits.

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    1. Me too! I wonder if she will wear some Aussie designers? perhaps a Zimmerman piece! Argh I can hardly wait 😝

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  7. This sounds like a great tour for both of them and for the people they will be meeting along the way.
    For any of you who live, like I do, in North Carolina, or if you live in South Carolina, coastal Georgia, and Virginia, I hope everyone stays safe and well during Hurricane Florence. It is now a category 4 hurricane. My area could receive up to 35-40+ inches of rain later this week, so it will be rough, in addition to threats of power outages and fallen trees. As someone who has lived through several hurricanes (Hugo, Fran, etc.) over my 36 years, they are unpredictable forces of fury.

    Also, today is World Suicide Prevention Day and for those in the US, this week is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-15). September is also Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month (for those living with substance use disorders). A word of wisdom for everyone...make sure that you put the suicide prevention lifeline number in your phone. You never know when you, someone you love, or someone you've just met may need professional help in a mental health crisis. And, in those moments, it can be very difficult to remember phone numbers. In the US, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. The US Crisis Text-line is 741741 (text HELLO to that number). If you live in the UK, the lifeline number for Samaritans is 116 123. The lifeline number for Mind is 0300 123 3393. I haven't had time this morning to look up all of the lifeline numbers for other countries, but please find the correct one for your country and plug it into your phone! For those living in the US, there is serious discussion underway for the United States to have a 3-digit suicide prevention lifeline number (like 911 for medical emergencies). I think that would be most helpful. 911 is very easy for children, teenagers, and adults to remember, and it would be ideal for the suicide prevention lifeline to also have a 3-digit number. Finally, I would like to recommend the Mental Health First Aid course to those who have it in their country. As an instructor in Mental Health First Aid, I believe that it is critically important for everyone to become more educated and aware about mental health challenges and about how to help someone who is in crisis or living with those challenges. The course began in Australia, but is taught in quite a few countries now (including the US and the UK). Just as it is important for us to learn CPR and First Aid skills to help those in a medical crisis, it is equally important for us to learn Mental Health First Aid skills to help those living with mental illness or those who may be in a mental health crisis (such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis).

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    1. Thank you.You have provided much needed information for all.

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    2. Sarah from NC best wishes and prayers for making it safely through Hurricane Florence. I live in NJ and have spent many summer vacations in the beautiful Outer Banks. Mother Nature has been tough on this part of the US in recent years - I’m hoping for the best.

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    3. Sarah, be safe. I know you will but it has to be wished and prayed for you. Thank you for the phone numbers and sharing this information on mental health and suicide prevention.

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    4. Thank for sharing the phone numbers ! Stay safe in NC

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    5. Be safe Sarah ! Thank you for sharing the phone numbers.

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    6. Sarah, I have family in Wilmington, Durham, Brevard, Pisgah Forest, and Asheville. I just hate this hurricane but appreciate your post very much.

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    7. Sarah, good luck with Hurricane Florence! If necessary, flee farther inland, and take care.

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    8. Thanks so much for this information! I´m living in Germany & we´re going through the next heatwave at the moment, but my mind is with you guys over there! Please stay safe everybody!!

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    9. This is wonderful information, Sarah. Will be thinking about you and saying prayers for all our neighbours south of the border who will be dealing with Florence. I hope you stay safe!
      I know there are Canadian readers here and we can dial Emergency Services at 911 or the new Cdn. Suicide Prevention number: 1-833-456-4566.

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    10. Praying for you, Sarah, & everyone in that part of the US. I hope you all stay safe & look out for each other.

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  8. I find the timing of the tour with the Invictus Games a bit odd. I would have thought that Harry wouldn't want to pull attention away from the Invictus Games, but he and Meghan will be off doing other events in other countries during most of the Games which will absolutely draw attention away.

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    1. I thought the same thing too. but I also realized that if harry stayed for all of the games, all the focus would be on him, not the amazing athletes

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    2. Sharyn, you make a good point. Like Leslie, I was expecting that the D and DoS would be spending days at the Invictus Games but I figure that the Sussexes and their staff know better than we do what makes the most sense given everywhere they have to go and all that they need to do.

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    3. Rhonda - Wisconsin11 September 2018 at 03:26

      I am saddened to hear this. We were in Toronto for last year’s games and Prince Harry spent a lot of time with the athletes, their families and at the events. He will be sorely missed and I have to think the athletes themselves will feel that loss. He is Invictus - whoever put this together did not think it through very well.

      Not to mention this is a great opportunity for Meghan to bond with these extraordinary warriors just like he has.

      I’m really looking forward to the games. Am hoping that they will be streamed live.

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    4. it's done? That is why David Beckham and prince frederick are going? To pick up some of the slack?

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    5. I was also surprised because I have always felt that Harry was very aware that his presence does wonders to lift the profile of Invictus. That is why he is so visible and accessable at Invictus.
      But I think it is a case of being a full time royal. Previous Invictus Games he attended in his private time as Patron of Invictus, but this time combining it with a royal tour means they are there at the invite of the Australian government who have other plans for them.

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    6. I confused and surprised as well. I know Harry was at all of Toronto and I am 99.9% certain all of the Miami Invictus games as well, along with other leaders. I guess waiting until after wouldn’t have worked(?) but I am sad they won’t be able to stay for the whole thing.

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    7. Previously, Harry went as patron of Invictus Games and that was his sole duty and the trip would be paid by the charity.
      This time, the Sussexes are going to Australia and New Zealand at the invitation of these countries’ governments, which means Australia and New Zealand are paying for the trip. Of course, they expect the royals to tour other places and highlight other charities and issues and promote tourism. They are visiting Tonga and Fiji at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which means they are paying for that part of the trip and expect the royals to highlight certain areas they deem important.

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  9. Can’t wait for the tour to begin! I can’t imagine all the planning that is going on to assemble her traveling wardrobe. I would crumple in defeat if faced to plan all those outfits.

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    1. Would love to know how many people assist them or should I say assist Meghan.

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    2. Thats exactly the part of it that I would enjoy the most! :)

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  10. Wow this one big and busy tour for Harry and Meghan. I can't wait to see all the outfits that Meghan is going to wear gosh this is basically a fashion tour to us royal fans lol. I think Meghan is definitely going to go all out in her style for her first royal tour and I'm here for it. I hope after this big tour that this lovely couple gets a lot of rest when they get back in London because I know they will be exhausted.

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    1. I have had a little laugh at your comment regarding needing rest after their work schedule. If memory serves me right it is not uncommon that a little vacation often pops up after these tours for the royals. I often think their tours are vacations in and of themselves that they call "work" in representing HM through their appearances. I think no one among us would not sign up for a royal tour.

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    2. Well, USA Granny, count me as one who wouldn't sign up for a royal tour. Mind, I am in my mid 60s so 30 years older than they but having just come back from an intense 10 days in Ireland, going from village to village doing genealogy work (photographing headstones), I have come back totally exhausted. And I didn't have to do much interacting with people and yes, I did travel Business/First Class. When did the Queen stop doing overseas tours of the kind of intensity that M & H have outlined? I checked with Wikipedia and she went to Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in 2011, (she didn't go to New Zealand, last visited there in 2002) when she would have been, well a LOT older than I am. And Charles and Camilla have done a similar tour to H & M as recently as 2012. So, I admit it, I am a wimp and possibly the only person here who would not sign up for a royal tour....

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    3. USA Granny, I think it's a bit unfair to call the tours holidays. They are usually travelling every day (although here they have a few consecutive days in Sydney for the Invictus Games) and there doesn't really seem to be any time to recover from jet lag. That in itself is exhausting. Perhaps it is just my introversion, but I would find having to meet and be polite and diplomatic to new people every day exhausting as well. And, it is their work. They are doing similar sorts of engagements to those they do in the UK - unless you think those aren't work? It must be wonderful to see all these different places and have experiences you wouldn't normally, but I for one would prefer to do it a more leisurely pace with time to relax and read a book! Someone in the comments below mentioned the media scrutiny - all day for the entire tour! Surely it's not a holiday if you are meeting politicians, representatives of charities, worthy citizens etc etc and having lots of photographers follow you everywhere? No thank you, I would not sign up for a royal tour, especially one of this length

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    4. Wow, a holiday? All the travelling, the engagementa to prepare for, the media scrubity and all the People to meet, it sounds exiting and very very streneous to me. I could barely cope.

      harry was brought up for this role and Meghan seems born to do it but still. Big big kudos to them and all the royals undertaking tours.

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    5. I write only based on my knowledge as a well traveled corporate wife. Although days are well planned out and filled with meet and greets and wonderful dinners there is always built in to schedules more then enough down time to catch your breath and privately enjoy and appreciate your surroundings and count your blessings to have had the opportunity to discover new places. Yes, it is work in a manner of speaking coupled with many opportunities.

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    6. USA Granny , I was a corporate wife who never saw my husband on the days he worked. He left in the morning after we had breakfast in our hotel. I would say three out of five nights I would have dinner by myself while we was at a function. Not complaining about my trips, just saying that not all businesses build in down time for executives. We tried adding a day or two at our own expense at the end or begiiing of his trips, but he was uuaslly too tired to be a tourist with me. Making sure I was dressed properly and knew the status of the people we were meeting required some homework. Meeting upper crust folks like Ambassadors and Royalty requires etiquette homework. Again not complaining because I love meeting people. I have a gift ot being able to talk to people. My husband’s colleague had a wife who was so shy, she would cry in the ladies room (loo) at every function. I kept a list of people ,and a graphic of formal table settings in my bag to keep from messing up. I knew my behavior reflected on my husband.

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    7. I travel internationally for my job. It’s no holiday, I assure you. I’m an introvert and I’m absolutely dead by day 7. I have a 21 day trip around the world coming up and I so wish you were correct that it was a holiday. Count me out for a royal tour. If there were photographers at every meeting I think I’d quit the whole gig.

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    8. Ones personality plays a very large role in how we come to things. We all have different experiences at different ages in working as a single or as part of a time. What is work for one is play for the other.

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  11. Wonderful to become knowledgeable of far and away places through H&M travels not to mention the fantastic reporting of Charlotte. We wait with eager anticipation.

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  12. Steph from Canberra10 September 2018 at 22:01

    Thanks for such an excellent post, Charlotte. I saw the news come through but waited until I could read your post as I knew it would be much more detailed than other media reports! Jyst to clarify though, Nadi is also a town in Fiji. I imagine that's where they will be headed. Both Suva and Nadi are on the main island, Nadi. They will live Fiji, the people there are amazing!

    Meghan has been to NZ before, but has she ever been to Australia, Fiji or Tonga?

    I had to laugh at the description of Dubbo as having 'salt of the earth' people. I grew up not far from there, and my understanding is that it is a very rough city, with huge disadvantage. I imagine that's partly ehy they are going there. There's also a fantastic zoo - perhaps that will link to Harry's conservation work.

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    1. I have relatives who have relatives in Dubbo - from my relatives descriptions it seemed like their relatives were the only attractions of the city (how many times can you write 'relatives' in one sentence?) Thanks for the further information about it, I'm sure it will prove an interesting visit

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    2. Thank you Steph and I bet you are correct about why they are visiting.

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  13. Annette New Zealand10 September 2018 at 22:48

    Interesting that neither of them have been to to those places in New Zealand on their previous separate visits here. Having been involved in helping organise Royal visits in the past I know that organisers do take their personal wishes into account as well as the things they have particular concerns about. And yes it is partly a holiday, but you wouldn't want to be whizzed around so quickly if you were on holiday. They don't really have time to relax and just enjoy themselves and of course are under media scrutiny most of the time! I'm looking forward to seeing them in Wellington.

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    1. A holiday? Where did anyone get the idea that undertaking a royal tour on behalf of the Queen is a holiday? A holiday is doing as you please when you please. Period. This venture is no holiday.

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    2. Oh, Philly. Does Serena Williams call playing tennis a "job"? When she goes to play at Wimbledon will she tell her daughter she has to go to "work"? I'm pretty sure Meghan and Harry will be quite comfortable and relaxed as they tour the world on behalf of the Queen and Prince Charles. Their food and sleep preferences will be seen to. They'll spend their days meeting interesting people and looking at beautiful sites/environments. And then they'll take some private time to tour the world some more afterwards and relax...

      What do you think they are doing now?

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    3. Actually professional athletes do consider their work a job. It is hard work with lots of training from a very young age and usually only an injury away from forced retirement. The question for me with athletes is not that they do not work hard but that they are paid too much.

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    4. I agree I’ve heard athletes and actors etc refer to themselves at work or at a job. I think most successful ones tend to present it as they were lucky to follow their dreams and make a career out of it and it has brought them fame and wealth, but at the end of the day it’s a job. I think most of the down to earth ones likely present it to their children that was as well.

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    5. I was lucky enough to attend the US Open in NYC. After sitting watching a 4 1/2 hr. match I was emotionally drained. YES! They are definitely working on the court.

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    6. Florida Moxie, no matter how much passion you have for what your "job" is & no matter how glamorous others think your "dream job" is... it's still Work!!! In The Film Industry, I always have friends who can't believe all the "perks" I have & all the "famous people" I get to hang with etc. All the "Formal Elegant Events" I get to attend. Being driven around all of London & UK recently by a private chauffeur! Believe Me It's Work!!! Whether it's athletics or making movies, it's hard hard work!!! I never really got to see London... unless you call driving home at 4am (with my head in my phone the whole time catching up on international communications/ buzzing by all the lit up Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace etc in a blur after a 2hr drive from filming on the coast since noon,(having been up at 8am to eat & dress/Driver arrived at 10am & only to arrive back at Sloane Square by 6am to a bath & 2hrs of rest before I did it all again!! I was home for only 2 days in US, then off to the East Coast then home 1 day & then off to the West Coast! I only got to see my new granddaughter the other day! I left when she was 2weeks old & she's now 2months old. I won't see her again for another 2mos & they live 45min from my home! I'm working non stop as we are deep in Festival & Pre-Oscar Season.... I'm drowning in work prepping for a Screening & Meeting with Bradley Cooper Monday in prep for the release of "A Star Is Born" with him & Lady Gaga...... I'm Exhausted!!!! I came on here, because my brain is just fried & I am just glazed & needed a break..... Believe Me...... No Matter How Great It Seems & How Much Glamor & Fame a "Job" has............ we are all only human, we all only have 24hrs in a day & no matter how passionate you are about it........... one's "Job" is a "Job" & it's hard hard exhausting work, if you want to be good at it, just like any other job!!!!! Sorry, hit a nerve! #Gratitude #Blessings #HardWork #Peace! xo

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    7. Does Bradley Cooper sing? Is it a remake of the Barbra Streisand one or the Judy Garand one?

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    8. Becca, I hear you. And I think Meghan and Harry's staff will be exhausted by the end of it. Harry and Meghan? Not so much. They are going to do 16 days with all the travel planning having been done by the foreign office and their hosts. They are GUESTS in these countries. And sure, being a guest is it's own paradigm. The word "work" and "job" hit a nerve with me when discussing the royals. Their "job" is to be gracious guests. Any suggestion that this is "hard" or "difficult" - to be kind to people who being kind to YOU - has always bothered me. Is it really that hard? I've never found it to be so.

      Glad you got a few things off your chest! Godspeed.

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    9. Thanks Florida Moxie for being so gracious! I didn't mean to come on so strong & I've since then had my perspective that all work is the same.
      Anon 01:44, Yes Bradley sings himself in this movie. It's the same basic underlining storyline that ran through the original 1930's film & the following remakes with Judy Garland & then Barbara Streisand! I think it's going to be incredibly well received, but he's really nervous about it! I'll be with him tomorrow night in Chicago. There is a great article in The Washington Post, from when he made a visit to Georgetown University to meet with students. (He's a Georgetown Alumn) He was very open about how so many times in his life people told him he couldn't do something & it made him that much more determined to do it & succeed at it! That's what's going on with this, his first Directorial Debut... He's singing, acting & producing.... & as if that wasn't enough, he's doing a remake of a movie that's been remade 2 other times! He's such a hard worker & his whole heart & soul is in this movie!! I'd be curious to hear how anyone likes it? Another movie opening up is #lifeitself. I was able to attend a private advanced screening & I'd be really curious to hear what you all think about that one too! Such a wonderful story & concept, & Antonio Banderas's performance is worth the price of admission! However, I have my own opinions about how they chose to do the actually "storytelling". Would love your insights! :) I'm getting increasingly excited about #MaryQueenOfScots that has a release date in December. Also, there's a movie #peterloo that I'll be seeing at an International Film Festival. Both of the last 2 movies are about England & Scotland & I have friends & colleagues in both! :) xo

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  14. I love tours!

    So, with 16 days and Meghan wearing 2-3 outfits per day we can expect 32-40 different looks. And it’ll be spring and warm weather down under. I can’t wait!

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    1. Me either. I am so excited for the fashion show. October can't get here quick enough.,

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    2. I hope she does not wear 2-3 outfits each day. Hoping one day and one evening and repeats. That will still be tons. They may not have official stuff every evening, so maybe some days were she and Harry return to were they are staying and get in to relaxed clothing to eat in with their hosts or at a hotel.

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    3. Thats so exciting!

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    4. I can't wait! I wonder if she will wear an Australian brand like Zimmerman (which I think Kate wore when they came on their tour?)
      Anyways, I would love to see Meghan in a bespoke version of this dress for one of their day events- it just oozes fun, and in October it is usually quite warm in Sydney at least, compared to their usual climate!!

      https://www.zimmermannwear.com/swim-and-resort/clothing/laelia-cross-stitch-long-dress-cross-stitch-embroidery.html

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  15. Thank you, Charlotte, for another wonderfully informative, comprehensive and interesting post. You do such a marvelous job on this site and your Kate site. I appreciate you!
    Michelle in Tennessee, USA

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    1. I second that!

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    2. I second your comment! Charlotte does a great job! She is going to have a very busy October covering this tour, and Kate probably returning from maternity leave and the state banquet - it's all very exciting!

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  16. They need a day or two off , to conceive baby Sussex ! Just my opinion.

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    1. I wonder if Zika in a couple of these areas will prevent this though ☹️

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    2. Remember same thing was said about Zika virus in Brazil during the olympics. From all accounts it does not sound like that was a problem.

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    3. I guess it just comes down to personal preference, but the WHO does recommend that pregnant women do not visit zika affected countries and couples who have been to these areas should avoid pregnancy for 6 months after the trip due to a risk of guillian barre syndrome and small head in the baby causing other congenital issues. I would assume that Meghan and Harry would want to avoid possible backlash (warranted or not) that could come of a pregnancy announcement shortly after a trip to these areas. But like I said, it is of course up to them and I might be very wrong! Who knows, maybe we will get a surprise announcement before the trip 😉😉😉

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    4. I can tell you, the country where I am from is probably listed as a Zika affected country considering this is where the virus was first discovered in 1945. I can also say without a shadow of doubt that these are very very localized problems in that it is a specific region that can be avoided.

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    5. Whenever or wherever they may announce a future Baby Sussex, I'm sure the news will be received very warmly across our community 🙂🙂🙂

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  17. Im looking forward to see the duchess of sussex first joint engagement with prince harry Hmm the royal tour seems goof

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  18. Wow, a lot going on. This is a very busy tour. Thanks Charlotte for keeping us informed. Great job.

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  19. This is going to be hectic. We haven’t had a tour on this scale since the Cambridges went to India I think. Their more recent tours with the kids along has always been shorter and slightly less hectic.
    I am looking forward to it.

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    1. It's really a much longer tour---W&K's India/Bhutan tour was only 6 days. It seemed longer (to me) than their tours with the kids because they had lots of public events and few times set aside for "private time." But they arrived on April 10 and departed on April 16.

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    2. I agree & it reminds me more of the depth & pace that The Queen & PP used to keep!

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  20. Royal 👑 Watcher11 September 2018 at 14:29

    That hectic schedule almost sounds stressful. I hope Harry and Meghan get some time to relax as well, enjoy the surroundings. And I do hope that they will have enough time at the Invictus games. It almost sounds a bit chopped up. We shall see. In any case they are warmly welcome to Melbourne!

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    1. I too hope they get some time to really soak it all up as a couple! However, I must say that the two of them seem to be able to thrive on keeping up at quite the clip!! It seems to energize them! However they are only human & down time as a couple is important for all! :)

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  21. Thanks, Charlotte! What is the weather in Australia/New Zealand, et. al. in late October? I'm thinking about Meghan's wardrobe!

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    1. Hello Lynn, I'm guessing a spring/summer wardrobe as it will be well into mid-spring in Sydney. I'm sure there's a huge amount of planning going on at KP :)

      The royal reporters have seen the full itinerary. Rebecca English shared the following:

      "We've also had a sneak peek at the itinerary and it's packed! They've tried to minimise 'staid' official functions in favour of meeting as many, particularly young people, as possible. Looks good."

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    2. Annette New Zealand12 September 2018 at 03:50

      It is Spring in New Zealand too of course but the weather is often very changeable here at that time of the year. It can be quite warm and sunny but also sometimes cold, wet and windy so you have to have clothes for every occasion. There is snow on the highest hills and mountains at the moment!

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    3. This is all so exciting!!! :)

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  22. I would have liked to see H & M in Melbourne but alas I will probably just have delivered second baby H. ( I'm due on 11th of October). I saw HM the Queen on her very last tour of Australia in 2011. I took it as my very last chance. One to tick off the bucket list!

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  23. I am sure we all remember Harry's trip to New Zealand in 2015 when he said it would be nice to have a wife beside him on trips like this and to think Meghan was driving around the island the exact same year! Amazing! Maybe it was at the same time?! I am looking forward to this tour a lot! (Especially since Kate seems to be taking an extended maternity leave.)

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    1. Yes, isn’t it nice that he’s bringing his wife with him this time? :) When he was last here in 2015, I was hoping I’d be his wife lol but I missed my chance! 😭 Oh well, I’m glad Harry has found a soulmate in Meghan. I’m very much looking forward to the trip, also.

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  24. I. Am. So. Exciiiited! Just over a month to go! What a balanced intinerary...thanks for posting this, Charlotte :) I’m so happy they’re spending roughly 3 days in Fiji! As my mother was born in Suva, I’ll be very interested to see what they get up to over there. Fraser Island sounds like it’ll be a great trip. I’m surprised they’re only spending overnight in Tonga, though. Of course, I’ll be in Auckland waiting for their arrival on October 30th ;)

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    1. I do hope you get to see them really well, Kiwi Gal! 🙂

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    2. Thanks, Zora! I hope I can get up close enough to get a good photo/video.

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    3. I'm sure you will! My colleague's son is currently in New Zealand, staying in Wellington. I asked her to tell him he'd better get some good photos too! 😄

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  25. There's so much to look forward to. Cannot wait! :)

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  26. Charlotte, did you see the picture of Meghan on twitter walking her dog?

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    1. Hello,

      According to the reporters (and their palace sources) it's not actually Meghan. The lady in the photo is certainly a dead ringer for the Duchess :)

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  27. alexandra13 September 2018 at 20:35
    Hi bluhare, I've not had a chance to read comments in some time and have only been able to peek at the posts. But I just had a chance to read a few comments from the bottom and I'm very concerned about Maggie. If I recall correctly she was battling an illness. I'm sort of assuming you have been in contact with her from anonymous's comment above. Are you in a position to provide an update? If a private matter I certainly understand, I just have not seen comments from her in some time and I hope she's okay.

    alexandra
    florida

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    Replies
    1. Hi, I havent heard anything a couple of weeks. I'm not as sure what to think!

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    2. bluhare, if you make contact with her, please let her know she is in our thoughts & prayers!
      How difficult not having any news........ :( xo

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    3. Okay, thanks bluhare. I finally searched back far enough in the comments to see your update. Thanks so much for that and sorry I was out of the loop. She's on my mind and please let us know if you hear anything.
      We miss you Maggie

      alexandra
      florida

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    4. I absolutely will. Thanks, Alexandra and Becca.

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  28. Any news on engagements coming up? I miss Meghan! Hopefully we'll see her a few times before the tour?

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    1. Hello Penny,

      KP just shared this: On Monday, 24 September, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will join more than 200 young Coach Core apprentices for the Coach Core Awards at Loughborough University.

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  29. Well... It just out of the topic. I just thinking why meghan didn't wear blue aquamarine ring anymore??? 🤔

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    1. I do think we will see that beautiful ring again when the occasion is formal, black or white tie so to speak. I am sure she cherishes it as a wedding gift from Harry as well as because of what it meant to him to give it to her.

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    2. I love that aquamarine ring...I hope we do see it again.

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  30. According to Royal Central, both Harry and William and their wives met with their respective out-going private secretaries at KP recently in separate meetings. There were no photos. Just an example that there is probably a lot more involved in their responsibilities than appears on the surface.

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  31. Just saw a dress that would be soooo Meghan- the tie dress at the bottom which is featured in a neutral color and one of her preferred silhouettes. I think she would look absolutely smashing in it.

    https://style.nine.com.au/2018/07/23/12/31/australian-tour-meghan-markle

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    1. I agree it looks like something she would wear and look amazing on her =)

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  32. I very happy birthday to prince hsrry

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    1. Yes! Happy belated birthday, Harry! :)

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)