Sunday 28 October 2018

Harry and Meghan Discuss Mental Health with New Zealand Youth

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their second day in New Zealand with a visit to one of Wellington’s most iconic cafes, Maranui.


A wave from the Duchess.


The Duke and Duchess met young people from a number of mental health projects operating in New Zealand offering support to other young people through helplines, social media, websites and school-based programmes. Mental health has been a key theme throughout the tour and a major focus of the young royals' work in recent years.


The couple with Jazz Thornton and Gen Mora, founders of Voices of Hope - which Jazz and Gen launched to provide help for those struggling with mental health issues.


Prince Harry spoke about his own struggles with the group. NewsHub reports:

"It's an issue that's so close to their hearts, he's obviously in the Royal family and he's gone through his own thing, he said it can literally affect anyone," Ms Thornton told Newshub. "Mental illness does not discriminate, we made that an important message and he backed that up by saying 'yes, it doesn't discriminate, you can be anyone and go through this sort of thing'," she said.
Ms Mora said it was a "huge honour" to be able to talk to them about an issue that is so important and impacts many New Zealanders."He was asking us questions and being very open about his own struggles with mental health, so it was a very open conversation and we all got a chance to really say what we needed to say," she said. "He was genuinely really interested in the work we're doing."
Ms Thornton said Prince Harry was so interested in their discussion; he was reluctant to be moved along from their chat. "They started shooing him along, and he said 'Ah, they're shooing us along but we don't want to leave yet', so I am pretty sure they would have stayed longer if they could but they were on a time constraint."
Both Ms Thornton and Ms Mora have been through their own severe battles with mental health which required hospitalisation at their most serious points. Ms Thornton, who suffered depression and survived 14 suicide attempts, told the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that after coming out the other side of their own adversities, it was then they each wanted to help others who face similar struggles. Ms Mora was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) at 12 years old which landed her in a psychiatric ward on two occasions, caused intense anxiety and contributed to her dropping out of school. Her obsession with control saw her then develop an eating disorder.'

Jazz and Gen told the couple their video 'Dear Suicidal Me' was seen by a 15-year-old girl who had decided to take her own life, but was moved by the footage to change her mind.


Among the young people the Duke and Duchess met was Ezekiel Raui, one of the Queen's Young Leaders, who after experiencing several youth suicides at his high school founded Te Kotahi, a peer-support programme led by young people. 


Meghan spoke about the negative effect of social media. More from The Mirror:

'During a visit to a beachside cafe in Wellington, New Zealand, she described the conundrum of determining whether images and people’s lives are real or fake. She said: “Young people find it so difficult. “You see photos on social media and you don’t know whether she’s born with it or maybe it’s a filter. “Your judgement of your sense of self worth becomes really skewed when it’s all based on likes.”

They met representatives from 1737. ‘1737, need to talk?’ is New Zealand’s new national mental health & addictions helpline number. The 4-digit number is free to text or call anytime to talk with a trained counsellor, its also a much easier number to remember a 4-digit helpline number, rather than an 0800 number. It is staffed by a team of paid counsellors who are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.


Staff from the popular beach-front cafe were delighted to host the royals.


The cafe shared a 'Keep Calm and Do Not Panic' notice with loyal customers :)

A video from 1 News.


The couple posed for photos with staff.


A group of adorable children were waiting outside to see the couple and Meghan ran back into the cafe to ask if a plate of cakes left for her and Harry could be given to them.


They looked very pleased.


The Duke and Duchess meeting the group.


They met a very shy little boy named Joe Young who was very overwhelmed. Meghan rubbed his arm and Harry gave him tickles to cheer him up.


The Duchess opted for a smart casual look, wearing the Club Monaco Ellayne trench. The seaweed green coat is described: "Oversized lapels drape along the open placket on this Club Monaco trench coat. Adjustable ties detail the cuffs. On-seam hip pockets." It appears the style has been sold out for some time.


It is thought the Duchess wore the Trani sweater by Australian brand Jac + Jack. Spun from a premium blend of merino wool and cashmere for ultimate comfort, the relaxed sweater features a roll over neck and cropped shoulders.


Jac+Jack was started in 2004 by Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Hunt and Lisa ‘Jack’ Dempsey. They have become known around the world for high-quality modern clothing that men and women can wear everyday. The brand sources ethical suppliers ensuring every piece is well-considered and made with integrity.


Meghan wore her Outland Denim Harriet jeans once again.


Thanks to the 'Meghan Effect', the Australian denim brand shared fantastic news over the weekend:


'Thanks to the Duchess' choice in denim, we're pleased to announce that it will be possible to employ a further 15 to 30 seamstresses in our Cambodian production house in the coming weeks, and the recruitment process has already begun.
The brand saw a 950% spike in traffic. With visitors from Uruguay to Russia, the Harriet in Black has been the favourite, selling out within 48 hours in Australia, with a sizeable waitlist." "The fresh interest in the brand is impacting more than just the brand’s sales though. Through Outland Denim’s dedication to social change, it is able to create life changing opportunities for vulnerable women in high-risk situations around the world"
“It has become a side story to the Royal visit, this little Aussie brand worn by the Duchess, it has allowed us to tell our story to a wide group of people in a short amount of time, which is invaluable. But also on a local level people feel incredibly proud.” James Bartle, CEO.'

Meghan's new boots are the Stuart Weitzman Veruka style (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror).  The suede boots feature a cap toe, long leather laces, square-stud hardware and exaggerated pull loop. They are available in several colours at Nordstrom and Italist.

Meghan wore a poppy and a 1737 label pin promoting the work of the mental health helpline.


Meghan's earrings were a gift from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The Boh Runga Discologo Studs are described as: "For the sister with a bold a brave streak. Featuring the iconic feather kiss and droplet designs, reworked into modern silhouettes, and introducing Te Huia; a stylised modern take on the Huia feather. With the sad extinction of this unique New Zealand bird examples only exist in paintings, museums and private collections. Immortalised now in precious metals Te Huia and her Sister Boh Dangles friends live on with you."


And her hair was styled in a ponytail.


The couple will visit Abel Tasman Park next!

68 comments:

  1. sorry to say but they both look tired.

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    1. I often travel from Australia to NZ and it’s strange but the 3 hour time difference is quite tiring jet lag seems real even to NZ! Day one always tired. Not surprised eh. LUCKILY NZ cafes have the best coffeee yep even better than Australia Fiji & Tonga. Caffeine up team Sussex you are nearly done!!!
      Theresa
      Queensland Kiwi

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    2. I would, too, if I were them! But I think they look pretty good & relaxed here.

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    3. Meghan does, for sure. They've had a really busy two weeks, but only a couple of more days to go. Then they can rest, and so can our intrepid correspondent, Charlotte!

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    4. I'm not surprised. I've heard that adjusting to time changes takes a day for each hour of change. They've gone half around the world, then jumped back and forth across time zones for Fiji, Tonga, and the return to Australia, and now to NZ. Their internal clocks must be crazed by now.

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    5. Of course they do. Even with no time change we would all be exhausted with this schedule. They didn't even schedule a day off when they first arrived. I've done this travel- it takes 2 weeks to adjust to that flipped time change. They've gone above & beyond. I think they look fabulous. Hopefully they'll schedule some rest after your. I would have definitely scheduled a weekend off in 16 days. To each their own.

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    6. Anon 00:40, I agree. They must be really feeling it now... I think they might’ve pushed themselves to the limits with this tour. But I take my hat off to them (& Charlotte!); they’ve done well keeping up with everything. Not long to go now for a big, well-deserved rest!

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  2. Thank you for your dedicated work during this tour, Charlotte! I’ve been reading your blogs for years now. I’ve always wondered - how do you identify the exact brand of something like black jeans from these pictures? It’s like magic! :)

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  3. I'm disappointed in Meghan's outfit today. Love the hair. Dislike the boots as they look far to heavy for her small frame, and the trench swamps her too much for my liking. The outfit will be very practical for travelling to Abel Tasman park (in which I am assuming she will not change much except her shoes). I just wish she would wear brighter colours.

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    1. Totally agree. Brighter colors would do better for today’s weather.

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    2. Actually, I thought they looked great live. Nordstrom has them in three colors and they're $698. I won't be getting them any time soon!

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    3. Agreed. I usually adore her boots, but the shaft length and the clunky heel are very unflattering on her.

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    4. Annette New Zealand29 October 2018 at 02:35

      Also totally impractical if she is walking on rough tracks in the bush. Ditto Harry with light suede shoes. They need proper tramping (hiking ) boots. I hope they also have waterproof raincoats with hoods for the National Park walk. Our climate is rather unforgiving with umbrellas and the weather report is for rain this afternoon.

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    5. They changed their clothes for the trip to the park.

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    6. I loved the boots, too, Bluhare (for my daughter), but she won't be getting them either--even for Christmas. Meghan seems so nice and unaffected, but I wonder what it feels like to know that you can have anything you want--boots, shoes, necklaces, dresses, trench coats (and, lord, she has worn some show-stopper trenches!). It must seem surreal. It would to me!! (I'd like to try it even for just a week or two!! haha!)

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  4. Shes not on the blogs any more but our own Carole was out by the cafe hoping for an impromptu walkabout. She didnt get one but she waved and they waved back at her.

    And to show what an impact they are having Forbes magazine has run a very complimentary article about the tour and the 8mpact they've had.

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    1. Zora from Prague29 October 2018 at 06:40

      Wow! How exciting, good for her! :) I love it when people share they (or their friend) got to see them, or even talk to them... It feels like being there too!

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  6. CrissieP (can't login for some reason): Maybe I love her look so much because it is similar to my own fashion sensibilities. I also think we've seen enough now to understand the way she uses color. Bright colors are not her thing unless she is trying to make a statement, i.e. acknowledge her host country. Even with darker and monochrome palates, she looks young, hip and upscale enough to give a Duchess-like air. Love it. The sustainability and mission of some of the designers is much more impactful than color, in my opinion. Once again, she looks great and focus is on the leaders of the mental health organizations. I look forward to Charlotte's full post so that I can learn more about them.

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  7. H&M are so appropriately dressed for both the occasion and their audience. It is so important to be relatable to the audience around you, especially youth regardless of the country they are from or what position you are in. I actually think Harry looks more tired then Meghan. Love the American style ponytail, so sassy!

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  8. Dang, I was absent for a day and look at everything I've missed!

    This tour seems to be more impactful and meaningful than I think anyone imagined. Meghan looks incredible.

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  9. They look very casual & unprofessional as representatives for the Queen.

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    1. They look completely appropriate for the scale and audience for this engagement. :-)

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  10. They know love it when they wear gray, so good for them!!! Home stretch!

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  11. I'm so surprised by the weather on this trip. I guess I didn't take into account how far south New Zealand actually is. I haven't been but plan to visit as I've heard it's the most beautiful place on earth. What two months are the best?

    I like this casual look. Mainly because it's so simple and I'm guessing she's comfortable. I like this draped coat especially in the Seaweed Green - wonder how long she's had it given it's no longer available. And she's rewearing her jeans and turtleneck. Those SW boots are fantastic! The elevate her look IMHO given they are stylish.

    Can't wait to see where they go next. I'm guessing she'll change her coat and boots.

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    1. Hi Elle! Spring and early summer can be dicey with the weather - last weekend we had glorious warmth and sunshine, but here in Auckland today it's a high of 16C and rainy. February and March are your best months to visit (the schools have started then as well, so things are quite as busy). :-)

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    2. Oops! That last sentence should have read '...so things are not quite as busy" :-)

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    3. February and March are usually the best months down here in NZ.But anytime is a good time! Snow on the mountains creates spectacular scenery in Winter and early Spring.

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  12. Love this great looking outfit. It’s rainy and chilly there, and she looks cozy. Only 2 days more, and then home for much needed rest and downtime for them, and for our superwoman, Charlotte.

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  13. I love the jacket. I looked it up since it has a sort of suede look to it and learned it is lyocell (Tencel is a brand name) and is a sustainable fabric. It looks as though it fits nicely but the large lapel might give a 'too large' appearance for some, much like her coat at Christmas. I like it so much I'm going to look for a pattern to make one (can't afford $300). Difficult to really tell from one side photo but the boots look a bit clunky. Considering the weather in Wellington is a bit on the cool side I think the outfit works nicely.

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  14. Thank you for always being so swift with the next appearance, Charlotte. I like Harry and Meghan's informal attire as they meet with young people. Their busy last night shows a bit today.

    I always enjoy checking in at Gettyimages.com. I can find many photos of each stop if I click on "Editorial," and then search for Meghan Markle.

    Thank you, bluhare, for leading me to the Forbes article. It's a pleasure to read positive articles about Harry and Meghan and their busy tour.

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  15. Love everything about this engagement. I feel like this was a great chance to touch base with local organizations that are doing the work close to H/M hearts. And I love that Meghan settled in for the visit. Not just a quick touchdown(which she doesn’t always have a choice about), but she poured a cup of tea and settled in to talk. I like the look a lot. Typically, I am not a fan of her oversized coats, but I feel like this one was done really well. It’s slouchy enough to be on trend but no so huge it swallows her. But man, does her stride look long in the pic of she and Harry walking!

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  16. Side-part hair is a huge improvement. Keep the loose pieces clipped back and the side-part and the hair will be much better!

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    1. I agree, Lynn, the side part is so much better, and so are neat sides.

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  17. I think the length of this tour is starting to take it's toll. Meghan's a trooper and is managing to smile (she is an actress) but Harry seems tired and isn't smiling in any of the pictures I've seen so far. I can't imagine how grueling something like this would be. Thank you, Charlotte for all of your excellent and timely coverage.

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    1. You just echoed my sentiments! And in the next outing at the Park, Harry looks downright perturbed! Something has shifted and I hope and pray it is just fatigue.

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    2. I think he's ready to go home and nest.

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    3. They look perfectly fine. They talked about mental health, not always a topic to joke and laugh about.

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  18. I ❤️ what she’s wearing. I also love that H&M soothed a shy little boy by rubbing his arm & tickling his tummy! & Meghan giving the left over goodies from the cafe to the children outside :) Such an adorable couple! & Meghan is so thoughtful & sweet.

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  19. This is totally inconsequential but...Harry seems to be wearing a ring on his right hand as well as his wedding band on the left. Any idea where this ring came from and when he started wearing it? Sorry if you've already mentioned this. I may have missed it.

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    1. It has been reported that Meghan gave Harry the ring. Meghan is vey into good health habits and I believe she has influenced Harry along these lines with diet, sleep and exercise. I believe the ring monitors sleep patterns but I could be wrong. I have read so many articles about H&M in the past two weeks I may be confusing my facts.

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    2. Harry's other ring is some kind of health/exercise-tracking device. Kind of like a FitBit, I think.

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    3. The black ring is a fitness device tracking heart beaat, movement etc. It is connected to an app. A product from Finland. I fotget the name.

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    4. Start of the tour I believe? It's an oura ring, some sort of activity,sleep tracker thing?

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    5. GPS from Security? Better than chipping him. Ha!

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  20. I love this look on her today because she looks like such a Wellingtonian! This is exactly how the locals dress. And how cute is she, getting the cakes for the kids?! She just comes across so well.

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  21. I think I've found one of the few things that not even Meghan can make look good! :) I hate those boots on everyone. I like the coat a lot, though.

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  22. They look absolutely perfect as modern royals meeting with a young group, before heading out on a hike. It’s really not a suits and hats day. They’ve met with a warm welcome and great success, just as they are.

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    1. I like Meghan's warm outfit, perfect for the weather and the engagements.

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  23. Wow! Thanks for the excellent coverage, Charlotte! This visit was really cool...it’s so good that they’re both highlighting mental health here. I didn’t know about the new 4-digit helpline...I think they’ll save a lot of lives through this new endeavour.

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  24. I’m enjoying the casual look on the Duchess. This has been a very engaging and busy tour. I’m feeling tired for them😊. Nice of the Duchess to go back into the cafe and request their cookies be given to the children. So sweet and thoughtful. The mental health stories are eye opening as to the importance of ‘asking for help’. I’m glad both ladies are sharing their stories and helping others. I also took note that New Zealand has a national mental health hotline, 1737. Thanks, Charlotte. The tour is almost over and you can rest as well.

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  25. Today I have jacket envy. And I love that the kids got some goodies!

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  26. Laura @23:52. The Duke of Sussex ring is a Sleeper Activity Tracker by Oura.

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  27. Ugh my comments never go through when I use my IPad or phone. I’m traveling (in Nantucket watching the Red Sox hopefully win the World Series in the next hour or two!). I’ll try again. I wanted to say that all eyes are on Meghan these past two weeks but mine have been on Harry. I’ve loved him since he was a boy and especially a young man getting involved with kids’ charities and the military. And now to see him as a husband and father to be, he has grown so much more. Cannot wait to see him as a dad! I really think he’s one of the most influential men in the world these days. The two of them as a couple are going to be so powerful and hopefully be influential in making some important changes in the world.

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    1. Go Red Sox! I got to see Fisk and Yaz play years ago. And I'll ALWAYS be a Boston fan. Best city ever.

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  28. Thsnk you for the warmedt efort bring the royal tour charlotte Hmm i love the casual look both them inferness to the duchess she looks good anod harry and mrghsn win these tour oh i love the cake

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  29. Jessica Mulroney posted a photo on IG today in which she’s wearing the same shoes as the Duchess I think - just in a lighter shade.

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  30. You know I love the fact that they are dressed so casually for this event. They obviously want to be seen not as royals but as just normal people, and being smartly but casually dressed does a lot for that feeling. That and I feel like H/M at this point are so tired they maybe are dressing for comfort? But I really love how this tour mixed a lot of expensive gowns with casual wear.

    I also think that even though H/M do look tired they are still very warm and seem approachable, and when you're jet-lagged and exhausted that's hard to do, so kudos to them.

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  31. Annette New Zealand29 October 2018 at 03:00

    Interesting comment about being "shooed along". It may look rude but we have to remember they were flying to the South Island after that and probably had a time slot at the airport which they had to adhere to. Also remember that other people are waiting in the National Park for them to arrive. Just hope it is not too cold down there. Snow is forecast for the next couple of days in the high country as the wind changes to a southerly. We are closer to Antarctica than most of Australia is, although the ocean around us does prevent it getting as cold as Canada and USA. Weather is very changeable at this time of the year but it depends on which part of the country you live in.

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  32. Its 11 pm here on the East Coast and the news is about to start. The lead promo was "The powerful speech the DoS made as the tour begins to wrap up". Interesting, Meghan's message has made an impact back in the USA. As much as I adore her fashion style, I truly believe that will be secondary to her words as the future unfolds and we first listen to her voice rather then see her fashion choices.

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  33. Touche. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the good effort.

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  34. This may seems like a silly question, how do you know what brand of jeans/pants she is wearing? I honestly cannot tell the brands apart unless there is a significant detail.

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    1. Hello Rachel,

      Often times the Palace will share the name of the brand and then it's much easier to narrow it down. There's a group of ladies on social media who have a real talent for finding items :)

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  35. Royal 👑 Watcher29 October 2018 at 04:14

    Loved Meghan's speech yesterday and the love continues today! Feminism, mental health... such important issues that the royals can emphasise in their day to day work. I expect that supporting women and girls of all ages will be one of Meghan's favourite areas in the future, I am really looking forward to it. That little bit of a time difference between Australia and NZ can be quite deceptive. Jetlag can hit harder than from a long flight, maybe because you are mentally not prepared for it. I have to comment on the cakes as well! They look so small on the plate, but in the hands of the children, they look just massive! I am really happy that the children got to eat some cake, as modern royals probably don't want to have their cake and eat it too! haha... wink wink...

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  36. Harry looks more relaxed the longer they go on this tour.

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  37. This outfit is very Megan. down to earth and naturally elegant - without being ostentatious. Someone said above it is "very Wellington" - and I am sure it is; it is also "very any city" for a quietly stylish young woman. The main (incredible!) thing to take out of this post is how quickly the impact of her choices can be materialized. Hiring 15-30 more women in a country that needs these roles so desperately is truly amazing.

    The other thought that came to mind is how strong Megan is. Her inner power and stamina are out of the ordinary; more than two weeks into this tour with an exhausting schedule - she keeps going and smiling and being so present and kind all the time. All whilst having to deal with the challenges of her first pregnancy. How extraordinary!

    JV

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  38. Trip down under: Class act on both their parts! Truly a fairy tale.

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  39. she looks nice i like those shoes what a great tour

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