Tuesday 23 October 2018

The Duchess Dazzles in Fijian Blue Gown for State Dinner!

The Duchess of Sussex dazzled in Fijian blue for a reception and State dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel.


The Duke and Duchess make their entrance.


The black-tie dinner was hosted by the President of Fiji, Jioji Konrote. Harry and Meghan visited him and his wife at his official residence Borron Park earlier today.


During a speech, the President referenced the late Princess Diana saying she would she would be "proud" of the man Harry's become and the happiness he has found with Meghan.


The appearance follows a busy arrival in Fiji where Harry and Meghan received an incredibly warm welcome in Suva. Thousands lined the streets and gathered outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of them. The pair were all smiles as they arrived; they both appear to be enjoying this tour immensely. A Palace aide told royal reporter Russell Myers: "Their Royal Highnesses are absolutely relishing the tour and enjoying every moment. They have both said how much they are loving it and have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome and the people."


The Duke and Duchess met guests and officials.


A look at an invitation for the dinner.


The couple's deputy private secretary Amy Pickerell is pictured wearing black. She's been by Meghan's side throughout the tour.


During a speech Harry said: "It is a great pleasure for Meghan and me to be your guests here tonight on our first visit to Fiji. We were overwhelmed by the warm Fijian welcome we received from the people of these beautiful islands."


More from Harry's speech:

'We share Commonwealth values and common goals - a love of rugby and a sense of humour! Our ties run deep. Your soldiers fought with the British Armed Forces during the first and second world wars, and continue to serve alongside our soldiers to this day, with more than 1,250 Fijians currently serving. 'I must emphasise my respect, admiration and camaraderie with the Fijian soldiers that I served with in Afghanistan. We trained together, we fought together and, most importantly, we laughed together.'
This visit is particularly nostalgic for us as a young married couple - my grandparents stayed in this very hotel, the Grand Pacific, a number of times over the years. But this visit is also an opportunity to learn more about the future of Fiji, your economic growth, sustainable tourism development and social enterprises. We are really looking forward to meeting the students at the University of the South Pacific and the young leaders from all walks of life. The health and sustainability of this planet depends on the younger generation and they are full of optimism, so let's listen to them.'

The Grand Pacific Hotel has been a part of the South Pacific for over a century. Once established as the standard of luxury that was fit for royalty; now more than 100 years later, the Grand Pacific Hotel remains true to the ideals of delivering the best of old world charms, South Pacific hospitality and contemporary service.


Rebecca English shared the stats on past royal visits to Fiji:

'Harry and Meghan will be staying at the Grand Pacific Hotel, where the Queen also stayed in 1953. Since then Fiji has hosted 5 visits from the Queen in 1963, 1970, 1973, 1977 & 1982; three from Charles in 1970, 1985 and 2005; one from Andrew in 1998 and another from Anne in 2006.'

Tonight marked Meghan's first evening gown appearance since her wedding day and she certainly didn't disappoint.


The Duchess looked stunning in the Safiyaa Ginkgo Cape Dress. The £1,095 gown is described as: "Full-length fitted short sleeve cape dress with a long tailed back with a deep split and covered buttons, all in bluette stretch heavy crepe."


The 'Fijian blue' hue added a very nice touch of sartorial diplomacy.


London based brand Safiyaa was launched by creative director Daniela Karnuts in 2011. With a demanding career in fashion media, she needed a wardrobe that was sophisticated and polished, without being boring or dated. Searching for pieces that were flattering, combinable and travelled well led her to question why a man could go to London’s Savile Row for bespoke suiting yet a woman had to settle on fixed styles and colours. With a selection of 12 dresses and endless ambition, Daniela began her journey to fulfill her needs and those of women with similar desires as well. Named after her daughter, Safiyaa was started from there. The brand is described as "created for women by women".


As for Meghan's dazzling earrings, Emily Andrews reports: "The mystery of Meghan’s earrings... all KP will say is that they’re “borrowed”. From whom, they will not say. Most likely the Queen."


Meghan wore a shimmering bracelet that belonged to Diana.


The Telegraph reviewed the look:

'The black-tie dress code in Fiji called for a dressier look, and Meghan's floor-length dress by London label SAFiYAA delivered in spades. The simple lines of the dress and bold shade of blue made for a slick, modern style statement.  Then - lest we think Meghan's look oversimplified - she added a pair of drop earrings featuring gobstopper-sized diamonds. 
The colour seems to be another of Meghan's go-tos: she is often seen in shades of blue, and this particular dress was a near-perfect colour match for the Jason Wu dress that the Duchess wore to a gala concert for military veterans in September. But there could be more to the colour choice than that. The shade of blue is also very similar to that of the Fijian flag, which is symbolic of the surrounding Pacific ocean. Meghan hasn't always trodden the diplomatic-style line - her French wedding dress a case in point - but perhaps Tuesday's choice was a step in that direction.'

To view our post on Harry and Meghan's departure from Fraser Island click here. Our post on the couple's Fiji arrival and official welcome is here. The Duchess wore a dress by Australian brand Zimmermann and jewels with special royal connections.


Tomorrow's schedule, Wednesday 24 October:

  • Harry will lay a wreath at the Fiji War Memorial, and meet a number of Fijian war veterans, some of whom served with the British Armed Forces. Links between the British Military and Fiji continue to this day with more than 1250 Fijians currently serving in the British Army.
  • Their Royal Highnesses will then visit the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva, where they will observe a cultural performance on the effects of climate change, before meeting students studying subjects from agriculture to women’s development. The event will be streamed to a number of the university's campuses throughout the Pacific region. The Duke will make a short speech in his capacity as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, and The Duchess will say a few words.
  • From here, Harry and Meghan's programme will split – The Duke will travel to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, and The Duchess to the British High Commissioner’s Residence. Colo-i-Suva is an indigenous forest site housing many flora and fauna native to Fiji, and species including the Fiji Tree Frog. It is also Fiji's dedication to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Before unveiling a plaque to mark its dedication and planting an endangered native tree, His Royal Highness will meet with school children, student conservators, representatives from sustainable tourism industries, and local landowners and villagers to see how the rainforest impacts upon their education and livelihoods.
  • Meanwhile, The Duchess will attend a morning tea at the British High Commissioner’s Residence to showcase women's organisations which operate throughout Fiji. In particular, Her Royal Highness will hear more about a UN Women's project, 'Markets for Change', which promotes women's empowerment in marketplaces throughout the Pacific.
  • The Duchess will then travel to Suva Market to meet some of the female vendors who have become empowered through the project.

What do you think of Meghan's first royal gown appearance? :)

143 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, SO stunning! Gorgeous colour on her, and I really like her hair down. I can't wait to see more photos!

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  2. I love the earrings but the dress is a huge no from me. Meghan has a beautiful figure and this makes her look like a straight up and down rectangle

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    1. That.s just the way she.s built. She has very slender legs with larger waist. Look at the girst picture in the white dress arriving to Fiji.

      Camilla

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    2. I think she looks boxy because she is pregnant & showing. Look at the side view. Her belly is really growing. Now the debate about whether they should have announced her pregnancy should end. There's no hiding that cute belly! LOVE that dress on her! & what a wonderful nod to hosts. So regal, color makes her look beautiful, & cape looks so on-trend. Love it:)

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    3. Meghan has a squarish shape to begin with, and hello, it's called pregnancy! I think this dress is very flattering on her.

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    4. This style is a huge no for me also. It's not that Meghan has a thick waist or that she's pregnant. The lines of the dress create a rectangle and being all one color the cape part widens her and makes her look boxy. It would do that on anyone.

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    5. She also throws her shoulders back (creating those beautiful shoulders and perfect posture) and thrusts her abdomen forward a bit. When there's no baby present, the forward thrust is not really noticeable--but now baby is riding up front! I think she (and the wee babe) look so cute!

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  3. Oh the colour! Like the waters of the Fijian seas!

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    1. Yes! It just reminds me of that :)

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    2. Nicole from France23 October 2018 at 10:13

      Splendid ! I like the way the dress shows her figure and has that sort of peplum or train behind ....it must be beautifull to see her walk ..... personnally I would have liked an updo , rather high at the back of the head, to enhance the earrings and make her look taller .... anyway , that colour is a big win , kudos to those of you who had thought « blue » !!!! And baby Sussex must feel at ease .... LOL

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  4. Gorgeous! I think it’s the same blue on the Fijian flag 🇫🇯.

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  5. Oh yay I guessed the colour! Thought she would wear a shade of blue to pay homage to the Fijian flag. Love what I can see of the earrings 😍

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    1. I love the earrings more after seeing a close up picture!

      Hi charlotte, first of all thank you for this incredible blog. I'm just wondering if you know when a due month will be released? Usually I thought that this information was released once the 12 week point had been passed. Judging by these pictures I think she's closer to 15-16 weeks by now...

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  6. Best look of the tour so far, for me 👌Thank you for being so quick, Charlotte!

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  7. Just the look on Harry's face says it all...his stunning wife on his arm for all the world to see!! They both separately look gorgeous and make such lovely couple. Love the shade of blue Meghan is wearing and it is so reflective of the colour of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful choice and beautifully worn. And those diamonds!!! Be still my beating heart!!! :-)

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  8. Shut down the haters...she kills in this and as requested by many, a different shade of blue

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    1. jmccain - just because people do not agree with you does not make them haters. It is called an opinion. And since it is a discussion about fashion such trivial and arbitrary disagreements should not elicit such angry words from you! Please do not try to stir-up trouble where it does not exist; comments accusing people of being haters for hav8ng an opinion about fashion have no place on this blog!

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    2. Anonymous I think jmmcain is being facetious. If you read the comment she's actually saying she loves it no matter what anyone else thinks! Maybe really read the comment before jumping down people's throats :)

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    3. I agree. We should be able to state our opinions in a respectful way and all get along. No name calling needed.

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  9. Steph from Canberra23 October 2018 at 10:48

    Gorgeous pop of colour! I've just seen some side on photos which popped up in my newsfeed, and omg she has popped! She has quite a serious baby bump now!

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  10. Simply gorgeous!
    Many thanks Charlotte.

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  11. I love the cape dress is to die for and the duke. Is very handsome. Charlitte. Catch some sleep

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  12. Zora from Prague23 October 2018 at 10:59

    I love the gown - colour, cut and all! Meghan looks lovely! And everyone can see now that she's pregnant! 😀

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  13. Just wonderful, gown and earrings and bracelet! Wow!


    Silvia

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  14. I am delighted! This is her best outfit for me so far. The cape is very regal and flattering. She looks amazing.
    Ella from Europe

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  15. Royal 👑 Watcher23 October 2018 at 11:27

    Beautiful!!!!

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  16. Looking at Meghan's profile tonight, is anyone else thinking that this is a wedding night baby? Yes, they said something about a 12-week scan at the outset of the tour, but nothing was said about when that took place. These two have manage to run everything they have done under the radar. I suspect that this may be the case with Baby Sussex as well.

    Loving your prompt and detailed coverage (as always) Charlotte. Bless you for your consistent level of excellence on both your blogs.


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    1. Royal 👑 Watcher23 October 2018 at 11:53

      Hi Philly, I was JUST thinking that.

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    2. I think she is a bit farther in her pregnancy too. Yes they said she has had her 12 week scan but they didn’t say when (nor should they) but she looks closer to halfway through I think.

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    3. If it would be a wedding night baby it would arrive earlier than spring as announced by KP. So I do think it isn't.

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    4. Technically spring is March 20-ish. Even so, people hear "spring" and think April or May. The announcement was fairly fuzzy.

      Plus, remember how vague the Vanity Fair piece was about telling stories in the future when the future was pretty much in the present already. KP may also be aiding and abetting a narrative that places the birth later in order to allow Meghan and Harry to avoid the media gong show surrounding the Cambridge births.

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    5. She looks like I did at 20 weeks. So not a wedding night baby.

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    6. Spring starts in March, so it could be VERY early spring.

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    7. It has been thought and stated by several readers including myself that she is easily 16 weeks along and that we would not be surprised for an early April appearance by Baby Sussex who will be greatly welcomed and loved.

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    8. I listened to the most recent On Heir podcast (Emily Andrews and Omid Scobie) and they stated that the information they knew was that Meghan was more like 14 weeks at announcement. So she'd be 15 closing in on 16 now. I don't know why a week or two makes much of a difference to all of us?

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    9. Oh and another thought. Perhaps her mom came over so she could be there for the 12 week scan and came a little early for the Together book launch? That would put Meghan a few weeks earlier even than the 14 weeks at time of announcement but I wouldn't be surprised.

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    10. She does seem very far along in the pregnancy. So they were kind to wait as long as they did to announce it. I don't think they could have waited another day! She carries her pregnancy very low.

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  17. Beautiful dress. And the baby has really popped over the past week. The first day of the tour, I did not think she looked pregnant....thicker through the waist, yes, compared to her usual figure, but not pregnant. Tonight she looks pregnant! Not a "wedding night" baby, though. If that were the case, she'd be due in February. But maybe close. They said she's due in the Spring, so perhaps in late March or early April.

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    1. My knowledge from being an RN is rusty, so the women that have experience being pregnant, are best at calculating her EDC and the palace statement about the baby arriving in Spring. I thought you are really pregnant for over 9 months. It is closer to 9.5 months.

      If Meghan became pregnant a month after they married, she could be due the first week of April and this would fit the palace narrative. She is tiny and that may explain the reason she is showing due to her small bone structure and her low BMI. It still brings up the possibility of a larger baby since Harry is 6'2" or the chance she is carrying twins. When Princess Charlene carried twins the news was not released until a family friend let the inside info slip. At least this is the way I remember the situation.

      I love that Meghan is wearing the bracelet gifted her by Prince Charles. It is lovely and nice it has had repeat outings since he generously gave her a classic piece of jewelry to wear.

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    2. Yes, this dress is really showing off the little bump! I’m guessing she’s feeling a bit self conscious about it, because she keeps holding her hand there.

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    3. I agree that she didn't look pregnant at the start of the tour. I first noticed Meghan's "pregnant woman stance" - hand over the belly was on their Fraser Island walkabout when she was wearing the Reformation Pineapple dress. I too think that she might be close to 4 months along. That said, I've had friends that popped at the mere mention of being pregnant and another that you wondered if she was pregnant at 8 1/2 months and she was a very thin woman. I have no idea where that baby was hiding. :)

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  18. Love the colour of the dress and the way everyone looks glowingly happy .... but I'm drooling over that pearl necklace - it's stunning!

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    1. I have a lovely pearl necklace with those exact same colors. The only difference is Meghan's new pearls are the real deal whereas mine are faux. Sigh. Meghan doesn't wear much in the way of necklaces other than her light chain pieces. I do hope this necklace makes an appearance or two. It's just beautiful.

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  19. Duchess Meghan looks absolutely stunning! The Sussexes are a gorgeous couple and look so incredibly happy!

    Dena

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  20. Glad to see some colour...but the dress is a miss for me. She looks very pregnant!!!

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    1. Did you mean it's a miss for you because she looks pregnant? Maybe your thoughts were not associated with each other, but if that's what you meant, what is wrong with looking pregnant? She looks beautiful with that little baby bump popping out.

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  21. I just have to add to the other compliments you have already received. I am in awe of how quickly you are updating this blog. You are simply amazing. Thank you. Much appreciated.

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  22. Lovely just lovely! She also has popped! I remember with my first baby I popped around 16 weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s how far along she is now! Excited for an April baby, when my first two were born! Just love her and am loving this tour!

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  23. Silvia from Tuscany23 October 2018 at 12:18

    Lovely! The gown is elegant, the colour beautiful and perfect on her. I love the cut of the dress and the trail. Beautiful jewels as well. A more elaborate hairdressing would have been nice, but the look is a huge yes for me.

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  24. Gorgeous! The Duchess of Sussex looks amazingly beautiful in that outfit and I would love to see more of her in full length evening dresses.

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  25. Gorgeous! Meghan's bringing some color and drama while staying true to her rather minimalist style. I do love a good cape!

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  26. She looks absolutely beautiful! Those earrings and bracelet breathtaking! And is it me or she is further along than 12 weeks? Anyway, lovely couple!

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  27. Dee from Adelaide, Australia 🇦🇺23 October 2018 at 12:33

    My favourite outfit since Meghan has joined her Prince. She looks glorious in Fiji blue, she looks amazing in jewel colours. I can’t wait to see her wearing more of these beautiful bright colours throughout her Royal life.
    Her earrings are incredible. Do you think they could have been Diana’s and we haven’t seen them before?
    I’m thinking perhaps baby Sussex might be an early Spring baby. ❣️❣️

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  28. I love the color of the dress and the earrings are amazing! The style of the dress is ok but it reminds me of the blue Stella McCartney she repeated on this tour. Was hoping for something a little different but we got color and she looks beautiful as always!

    Lisa NJ

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  29. Love the color of the dress and the style . . . and her jewels!! She definitely looks pregnant now! Can't wait to see what comes next!

    Hope from USA

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  30. The dress and look is absolutely divine!!! So regal and not fussy or boring, This color does loads for her...just beautiful!! I have a question- wonder if Meghan or Kate have ever been gifted new tiaras be foreign countries upon the occasion of their wedding? Looks to me like they would have. Is there a published list of their gifts from foreign governments? If not, I should think, they should be. It seems like the only tiaras we ever see are old, never any new ones...I love the way Diana used her jewelry when on foreign visits, and a lot of the jewelry was her own, I also notice that Kate mostly wears stuff from the royal jewels and not gifts from other nations, as the future queen, surely she has been gifted beautiful jewels. Right? Does anyone know? It is my opinion that Meghan and Kate should have their own signature tiara.

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    1. I would go ask that question over at http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.com/. I'm sure you'll get a thorough answer!

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    2. Queen of the Sun24 October 2018 at 16:03

      Jewels that they receive on tour get listed once a year, since it is technically not theirs but belong to the state.
      But their wedding gifts are not listed since that is personal gifts and unless the palace release some info when they wear it we will never know. Kate has an emerald demi-parure that has been speculated to be a wedding gift and I suppose it could have a tiara but I highly doubt it.
      Times are different from the eighties when Diana was showered with jewels as wedding gifts.

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  31. Beautiful dress and in a nice color to please those who have been bored with navy and black. I love the dress from the front, particularly the neckline and shoulders but not so fond of the back view with the inverted pleat. I was expecting an updo with an evening gown but her hair looks fine with this dress. Of course the earrings elevate the entire look to spectacular. Go Meghan!

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  32. Absolutely gorgeous! What a gown, the blue is magnificent on her. The hair, makeup, jewelry is all perfection. Yes Diana would be proud of Harry and then some. Thanks so much Charlotte for another wonderful job!

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  33. Nicole from France23 October 2018 at 12:54

    I had’ only seen the first photo when I first commented , I confirme this is a great Whaooooo ! In the line’ of her wedding dress, just a beautifull material a a beautifull design and tailoring ! And I do so like she does not feel obliged to choose jewels’ the same colour as her clothes ! No colour -block , that’s great !
    Anyone noticed that since she had to get some rest, she quite often rests her hands on her little baby bump ?

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  34. That whole look is so incredibly regal, but also so very Meghan.LOVE IT!😍😍😍
    I hope she will wear that pearl necklace,so classy!

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  35. This is a beautiful look! Not a huge fan of dresses with capes, but she looks beautiful and the color is one of my favorites. Those earrings should make us all happy! Wonder why KP won't say who lent them? They are just gorgeous and make a real statement. The people seem so nice. And I LOVE reading about the island, the people, and the royal history. Thank you, Charlotte!! And M and H look so happy. And she's so cute, always holding her "bump."

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  36. Maybe the earrings are borrowed from the jeweller. It is quite commum for celebs borrow fine jewlery from the brands

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  37. The dress and earrings are a huge win for me. I wonder if they are borrowed from a jeweler- I think that’s more common with the Swedish and Danish Royal families who don’t have a vault similar to Her Majesty’s. I’m sure someone will find out for us!

    That said, I could do without the belly holding. Especially in the formal photos.

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  38. Gorgeous! The earrings are beautiful and look like they're yellow diamonds. Does the Queen have anything like that in the vaults? I would love to know! Honestly, when I read "borrowed" and to see the style of the earring, my first thought was borrowed from Harry Winston lol! Seriously---is she allowed to borrow things from jewelers? Diana did.....

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  39. Meghan looks exotic in an evening gown of Island color, and Harry looks wonderful. The traveling baby is growing fast.

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  40. The earrings remind me of Kate’s set from Prince Charles, maybe Kate loaned these?

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  41. Wow the colour is smashing, but the dress is so wrong for her body!
    Maybe if the cape was made of a little bit more “flowing” fabric? Like this you really can’t tell when Meghan’s body end and the cape begin.

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  42. Aww she popped since the beginning of this tour! The first day I could see the change in shape of early pregnancy but still flat tummy. This is a full fledged baby bump.

    I think this maybe my favorite dress she’s worn. Beautiful color on her.

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  43. fantastic. she looks elegant, refined, and modern. a great choice!

    Annie
    NY, USA

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  44. Can we all just accept that there is now definitely a baby bump?

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  45. She looks lovely in that color, and the hint to Fijian waters is a nice touch. I personally have a real dislike of caped dresses and don't think it's the best silhouette for her, but the jewels are stunning and all the Fiji outfits have been royally Duchessy (why yes, I am making up words now, lol). Love the way she touches her belly. I miss that from pregnancy... that little "secret" touch between momma and baby.

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  46. What a pity that the first beautiful colour she wears is on such an unflattering dress. She seems rectangular in it.
    This shade of blue match her colours perfectly though!

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  47. Wow, what a stunner in so many ways. I love the white arrival dress. It's a fabulous look for her, as usual. Again, I must remark about how happy they each look. What a fulfilling time for them, repeating history. The hotel is beautiful. I didn't know what to expect regarding Meghan's evening gown, but she never fails. The look is understated elegance - her forte. I'm not fond of colors on her, but this one dazzles, and if she must wear a color, blue is spot-on. Love the gown, the flow of it, the cape. It's gorgeous, just like Meghan. Harry has every reason to be proud. He has made an excellent choice for his life partner. They are the most beautiful couple in the world! And they are so darn cool. I just love them. Thanks for another wonderful post.

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    1. I'd like to see Meghan wear deep rose. I think this is a beautiful, very suitable dress. SO perfectly tailored. The color gorgeous on her. I think the Earrings may be Camilla's -probably not from the QM's Greville collection. Maybe a Middle-Eastern gift. If they were from the Queen's jewels KP would have said so, I'm sure. I considered a loan from Gerrard's, for example, or Jessica; but the earrings seem almost antique. Although, they do sort of remind me of Carole's blue stone earrings Kate wore to the James Bond premiere. Wouldn't it be fun if they were Doria's?

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  48. Love this dress, love the color. Still undecided on the cape but I get that it's one of her things. But wow that that baby bump. She looks like 4 to 5 months along.

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  49. Wow wow wow! She looks STUNNING! This is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen her look. She is glowing. I love a cape moment on an evening gown. Very regal. This colour is gorgeous on her, and those earrings? Wow! Impeccable makeup too. Love it all!

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  50. This is a gorgeous dress - wow! In my opinion, this shows why so many of us tire of her wearing black and navy all the time: she looks stunning in this color. I'm fairly certain she would look stunning in almost any color, so it's not that there's anything wrong with black or navy, just that she does herself a disservice by limiting her repertoire.

    Beautiful dress, beautiful earrings, beautiful couple!

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  51. Rhonda - Wisconsin23 October 2018 at 14:29

    I really like the dress and finally some color! She looks gorgeous and the earrings? WOW! The only thing that looks remotely weird is in the picture of the four at the bottom of the stairs - she's cradling her belly and it really, really looks awkward. Other than that - win for me.

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    1. Love, love, love the color!!! I don't know why she is so "sold" on navy/black/neutrals when almost every color just pops with her coloring!!

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  52. Loved seeing the baby bump.. I think honeymoon baby - as the did delay theirs for a few weeks.

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  53. Meghan gives us some color, and shows the baby bump, too! I think she looks lovely and elegant. So happy for them.

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  54. This is one of those 'wow' moments. The blue is exquisite on her. As for the 'bling' love it !
    I wonder how far into her pregnancy Meghan is. KP said her due date is the Spring, which would be March onwards, but looking at Meghan she looks further along. I wonder if there will be announcement soon,to say it's twins !

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  55. The color is stunning but the shape is a miss for me.

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  56. Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. The Duchess and Duke of Sussex look wonderful. Thank you, Charlotte also for the history of the Grand Pacific Hotel and the view of the official invite to the state dinner.

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  57. This is all just fabulous - the gown, the jewels - and ooooo look! Baby Sussex is popping!

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  58. This is Grace Kelly Greek goddess and no mistake. My favorite color and a touch of diplomacy.
    Meghan must be very hard to fit through her torso and of course couldn’t predict how pregnancy will alter her body. This gown gives her ease and elegance.

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  59. hmm the duchess looks beautiful and lovely hmm i think they are pregnant in june i love the cape dress Even color

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  60. So glad my prediction was wrong! Black is nowhere to be found, and this gown is smashing. It’s an exquisite color of blue and Meghan looks fabulous. The earrings are a real statement and complement the clean ones of the dress.
    I do wish the attention would turn away from the size of her “bump”. Yes she is pregnant and it’s going to become more and more visible, but it’s a fact of life, many if not most of us have been there, and the constant scrutiny is tiring.

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    1. Dee from Adelaide, Australia 🇦🇺23 October 2018 at 19:46

      I think we’ll see Black featured in New Zealand as it’s their countries colour. Like Australia’s is green and gold, and Fiji’s flag has the glorious azure blue. I wonder if the magnificent diamond Fern will make an appearance in NZ. Her Majesty wore it often, and Kate wore it on her arrival in NZ, and then the embroidered fern was on her Black dress. I can’t quite see Meghan wearing it ... I wonder how she’ll honour the host country.

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  61. Very lovely evening look for Meghan. Looking very much like a Duchess tonight. Love it.

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  62. This is my favorite look of the tour so far. I love how she is wearing a cape! Who doesn't love a cape! I too wonder how far along she is as she has popped this week. I wondered why they announced it right before the tour as she wasn't showing that much, but now I understand! No hiding that now.

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  63. The earrings looks like they could match the diamond bracelet that Charles gave Kate.

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  64. Meghan looks vibrant tonight. The chandelier style earrings are absolutely magnificent and coupled with the delicate bracelet provide all the accessories the gown needs. Meghan really understands the often use expression "less is more".

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  65. Beautiful color on her. The earrings are fantastic. The dress looks great. I am not a big fan of that cape style but overall the color and simplicity of the from look wonderful on her.

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  66. The earrings look very modern to me, I wonder if they are borrowed from a friend or a jeweler. I guess they could be new pieces owned by other members of the Royal Family that she borrowed.

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  67. Curious...I heard on a news show that Harry had given up drinking in solidarity with Meghan for the duration of their pregnancy. I think it to be quite admirable if true. Harry is definitely all in. I didn't know if it was true information or not but I have noticed that H&M toasted tonight with water. That leads me to believe the original story may have substance.

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  68. The blue is beautiful on her! I don't love the cut of the dress though for this occasion, I was hoping for something a little more glamourous, but she does look lovely. And those earrings, wow!

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  69. Wow this is the best Meghan has ever looked in my opinion drop dead gorgeous! Harry is one lucky man! I can see her cute baby bump too !! She's radiant and elegant. Thanks Charlotte for your hard work.

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  70. Thank you for this informative post, Charlotte. I had no idea of the many tours and very close relationship of Britain and Fiji, and what a heartwarming and thrilling welcome for M and H. I think Meghan's evening choice is brilliant. The cape/train makes the dress regal and the shape is perfect for a pregnant woman. The simplicity of the dress shape showcases the beautiful color of the material. My goodness, those are gobsmacking earrings! They are such a perfect choice that complements the clean lines of the dress so well. I like that Meghan wore her hair down. Her hair and the diamonds against each other are mutually enhancing, and draws our eye to her face and the whole picture, so to speak, instead of the brilliance of the gems alone, which really light up her face. In fact, I think that diamond earrings light up a face, and perhaps that's why Meghan wears them so frequently. The source of the earrings is intriguing. If they were borrowed from the queen, would KP not just say so? Perhaps from a jeweller, although that seems highly unusual for a member of the British royal family and something I thought they never did. Definitely has everyone wondering! A nod to Harry for looking very handsome and a worthy escort to his beautiful wife. I love the bottom half of the Fijian version of the tux!

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  71. The color on the Duchess is outstanding!! She looks radiant, happy and relaxed!

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  72. I do like the color, but I don’t like the style of the dress. All of the cape dresses I have seen somehow look unnatural to me. The shoulders on this one are not smooth. The back looks more like a religious garment, than an evening gown for an attractive young woman. I think wearing her hair up would have lightened the downward pull of the look.

    She is a beautiful woman, but her eyes show fatigue in these pictures. The flights and boats alone would have done me in when I was pregnant! She is working hard on this trip and I hope she really can pace hereself and stay healthy. The travel weather, crowds, food, and even the smell of flowers, evoke strong responses when pregnant.

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    1. I think they both look tired here, and during the last engagement as well. I can't imagine how exhausting it must be with so many events and having to be "on" so much of the time. She always looks amazing!

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    2. I couldn't say it better: Anon.16:31.
      The Duchess looks very tired. Normally she has a lot of power. That's wonderful. Now, for the first time in her life, she is pregnant AND traveling AND working hard AND observed from the whole world every day. What a challenge. I think it'll not be easy for her to accept the limits of her energy, to reduce her power-lifestyle. Hope she will take the time for herself if she needs. Let's pray for her and the coming baby. Anne

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  73. Love it! The shoulder pads look a bit high, but I like the tulip effect on the sleeves, the length, and the light blue color.

    And those earrings! Gorgeous. I wonder why KP can't just say who they're borrowed from?

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  74. She looks stunning, so refreshing to see her in colour. She rarely looks tired or washed out. She has such beautiful coloring and can really wear any shade. I do think she looks a little less confident or comfortable in Fiji. I can’t really put my finger on it but she seems less at ease. Tiredness must be kicking in for her, The night in Fraser Island would not be enough rest if you were jet lagged, pregnant and having to be chirpy and full of the joys of life. Sinead

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  75. The Duchess of Sussex looks absolutely gorgeous in this blue crepe gown. She is radiant with that expect mother's glow. Meghan's pregnancy is progressing pretty fast every pregnancy is different from women to women. She is doing quite well. God bless her.

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  76. Meghan looks gorgeous, and that wonderful shade of blue just pops. They are such a beautiful couple. I also loved seeing the archival footage of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, they were stunning. They must be so proud of Harry and Meghan.

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  77. Anonymous in Colorado23 October 2018 at 17:02

    GORGEOUS! Classic, timeless, & that blue hue is breathtaking. Her lobes are dripping in jewels! I'm getting Queen Letizia vibes, whose style I adore.

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  78. Beautiful color, and still within her style wheelhouse. She certainly has a thing for cape dresses. This one disappoint, although looking at her from straight-on, the cape behind makes her look a little bit like a cobra. Gorgeous earrings. I think an updo would have shown them off better.

    You can actually see she's pregnant in this dress!

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  79. I like the dress from the front. Not from the back. The earrings are amazing. I wonder where they are from - never seen anything like them in the Queen's collection. (Although, we have been seeing a lot of interesting new or long hidden things from the Queen's collection lately, so who knows.)

    I'd say no to a wedding night baby. That would put her at like 24 weeks pregnant and would not be spring. I'm guessing 16 weeks and a baby due sometimes around the 9th of April.

    This uncertainty regarding sizing must have made clothing choices for this tour challenging.

    I do think that the pictures of her with her hand over the bump are cute. Protective, probably somewhat amazed that it is there, etc.

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    1. Queen of the Sun24 October 2018 at 16:16

      I am wondering hownshe explained to the designers that she want more space around the middle without letting the cat out of the bag. With a wardrobe this size and a variety of designers, taking them into her confidence seems unlikely. But I am not sure how else she could have gone about it.

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  80. Dazzling Duchess oh yes. The gown - beautifully worn; the cape falls elegantly. Super unfussy style, compliments the outfit of The First Lady. In the photo where the couple descend the stairs, can see how the match to the Fijian blue on the drummer's jacket :)

    Meghan's first royal gown appearance is a success! Accessorised with radiant smile and glow ♥
    Will be on the alert to see if she wears the pearls one day.
    Now I need to search around to find what the large medal is, worn by Harry, and the sun-shaped one the President has.

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  81. This is a total win!!!!! Love it from head to toe!

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  82. So what if she's touching/holding her baby bump in the picture?! I think it'll be fun for them and their fans to looks back on this picture of so many firsts. First tour, first year of marriage, first baby etc. I'm short-waisted as well and remember feeling quite self-conscious at this stage with my first pregnancy, especially with straight-on photos. If I didn't frame (read: hold) my belly in pictures it could look like I ate one too many burritos instead of pregnant lol

    Lynette from Canada

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    1. I think she has moved past the burrito stage and is well into the second trimester.

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  83. Meghan looks regal. Love the earrings, love the dress, love the color. Do not love the cape. Kathy from NJ

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  84. The earrings have me completely crazy with curiousity. Would't they typically mention if they are on loan from the Queen? I suppose if they are from her private collection maybe not? if these were gifted to the Queen by a country and never worn, wouldn't they show up in a register somewhere? Maybe these are on lone from Kate. Wouldn't that be fun?

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  85. The Duchess looks beautiful. I love her evening gown and accessories are just right. The colour is gorgeous. Her makeup is perfect. The only thing I was disappointed in was her hair. But regardless she is glowing right now. Thank you for a wonderful post

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  86. Just totally love the color of the dress with those fabulous yellow and white diamond earrings - she looks fantastic!

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  87. Now THIS is more like it!!! This is absolutely regal! Love the style! Cape is to die for and that blue is her color!!! Why doesn't she wear more color??? It looks divine with her skin tone! -Maggie

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  88. Tammy from California23 October 2018 at 20:14

    I love the dress, I love the earrings. She looks spectacular and represented a lovely guest in Fijian blue.

    I am VERY confused though on one thing: why is she holding her "baby bump" in an official portrait in another country? The visit should put the focus on the two countries.

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    1. Ha, I thought the same thing, that these portraits usually feature arms at the side from everyone. Plus, her bump is still so small, it looks a little awkward when she emphasizes it!

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    2. Good question, Tammy.

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    3. I have been a bit confused with her arm placement also.

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  89. Aren't you "supposed" to wear a jewelry gift at least once? Those beautiful pearls are very big but would look nice with one of her many LBDs. I hope she wears them.

    And I think the yellow diamonds in the earrings count as a second 'color"!

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    1. I do hope she wears the pearls - they are magnificent!

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    2. Allison, great thought about wearing those pearls with one oh LBD's.

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  90. Yippee - colour! And in that lovely Fijian blue that reminds me of the luminous ocean down in the South Pacific. I'm on the fence about the cape and the silhouette of the gown but her jewellery is fabulous. I like her hair down. So, for me, her sartorial choices are improving.

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  91. When the earrings become a mystery, it just makes the source more interesting! If they were the Queen's, surely someone would have identified them by now. Same if they were Kate's or Camilla's, I guess.

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    1. For some reason, I feel they may be Camilla’s...looks like something she would wear.

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    2. I kind of agree Kiwi Gal. Charles does buy Camilla alot of jewelry and I don't know that it's all been publicly catalogued.

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  92. Fantastic color on Meghan. That's what she should wear more often. Just like with the beautiful canary yellow dress she wore to an event at KP a this past summer. Bright clear colors look great on her. =) Just a note that her hair wasn't looking good though---looked at bit scraggly at the ends which no real styling; perhaps having an up-do would've been better for such a formal occasion especially since she wasn't wearing a tiara. But she looked great. Baby Sussex certainly is growing by leaps and bounds!

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  93. I am in awe of Meghan for doing this tour when she is in the first trimester of her first pregnancy. She probably wishes she was home with Harry whilst celebrating with friends and family. This sacrifice on her part will be remembered forever and a day, though I still think her sartorial choices are more miss than hit, but she is one hellava royal princess imho.

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  94. I agree with the others, Meghan looks simply stunning in blue!! And the earrings are simply stunning!!XOXO
    Siddhi

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  95. To me it’s a little too plain and not the best shade of blue on her would have loved some embroidery to break it up or embroider the cape - it needed something especially with that strong shade.

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  96. I love the color and style of the dress! Meghan. looked. stunning!

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  97. She looks Stunning!!!! Oh & Her Bump!! Too Glorious!! I'm wondering if she is leaning into her 5th month & if perhaps we will see a Baby Sussex in late March? They are slaying this tour!! What A Couple! What A Team!! Amazing!! :)

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  98. Love this entire look!! The color is stunning - a gorgeous color on Meghan :)

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