Saturday 20 October 2018

The Sussexes Unveil Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park

It's day five of the Sussexes' royal visit to Australia with another packed day ahead. The Duke and Duchess began with an embargoed engagement, unveiling an Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.


The Duchess arriving.


The military is a hugely important element of Harry's life; his time in the army led to the creation of his brainchild, the inspiring Invictus Games. Russell Myers reports: "The couple arrived to unveil a war memorial 84 years in the making. The Anzac Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served for Australia and New Zealand, was initially designed in the 1930s by Bruce Dellitt. But following the Great Depression, the finances were not available to make Mr Dellitt's vision a reality, including a four-tier cascading waterfall on the Liverpool Street side of the monument."


Prince Harry wore the tropical dress of his regiment, the Blues and Royals, with medals, KCVO and sword.


You'll notice Harry is wearing new gold aiguillettes on his uniform. They were given to him as part of his new position as personal aide-de-camp to the Queen.


Below, Harry and Meghan with with NSW Governor David Hurley, a former chief of the defence force.


The Anzac Memorial is the main commemorative military monument of Sydney, Australia. It was created by the people of New South Wales as a place to remember the impact of the Great War (1914 – 1918). Although the Memorial did not open until 1934 the need for the Memorial was recognised as soon as the casualty figures from the 1915 Gallipoli campaign became public knowledge. Planning for a memorial of some kind began with the establishment of a fund on the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1916.


The Duke and Duchess received a tour of the new education and interpretation facilities.


 They spent time at the Hall of Silence where the sculpture Sacrifice stands.


The Hall of Silence, located in the centre of the building, is striking in its starkness, and has a powerful effect on visitors.


The room is circular and Rayner Hoff's sculpture Sacrifice stands in its centre. The floor is Ulam white marble, and there is a bronze 'eternal flame' that flares out from the sculpture. The ceiling curves up toward the carved marble banister that defines the Well of Contemplation, a large circular opening in the floor of the level above. This opening provides the only natural lighting for the Hall of Silence and has the effect of focusing that light onto the central sculpture.


Emily Andrews reports: "The choir at the Anzac memorial have just sung 'I vow to thee my country': Princess Diana’s favourite hymn from her schooldays, sung both at her wedding in 1981 and her funeral in 1997."


The couple lay their first wreath together.


Kensington Palace shared this view.


‘In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in recognition of the men and women for whom the scars of war endure'.


British High Commissioner Menna Rawlings was sitting behind the couple and shared this photo.


Harry officially opened the enhanced memorial.


The plaque.


More from the Sydney Morning Herald: "For Prince Harry, being able to visit and officially open the newly renovated sections represented a royal step back in time; his great-great uncle and namesake, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester - who later went on to become Australia’s 11th Governor-General - originally opened the building in 1934."


A video from the unveiling.


I imagine the event was kept under wraps for security reasons. Speaking of which, Rebecca English reports the couple have appointed a new female head of protection:

'The woman, who the Mail is not naming for security reasons, has been working with the couple for several months and is currently with them in Australia, overseeing the massive police operation that surrounds them.
It took a little while to find a woman for the job with Harry and Meghan, but the new senior female police officer, who has the rank of Inspector, has replaced the prince's long-standing head of security, Sergeant Bill Renshaw, who retired after more than 30 years in the force. This week she has been very much in evidence, standing discreetly alongside the prince and his new wife. In Melbourne on Thursday she kept a watchful eye over pregnant Meghan as she undertook a huge public walkabout.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said they could confirm that 'there are a number of female officers working within the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, including an inspector currently working in Australia'. As these officers are by their principal's side 24 hours a day, it is always preferential to have a woman on the team. There are some things that a MRF (Member of the Royal Family) just feels more comfortable doing with a woman at her side. But to have a woman in charge of the team is pretty much unheard of. It is good news for the Duke and Duchess and good news for the force.'

Meghan looked every inch the Duchess in an elegant Emilia Wickstead dress; a perfect choice for the nature of the engagement.


Meghan's dress is a custom black version of the Camila Wool-Crepe Midi Dress. The timeless style is simply detailed with a row of buttons against the wool-crepe backdrop. Its softly pleated skirt and mock-neck collar capture the vintage feel.


The style was inspired by 1940s socialite Edith Bouvier Beale. She was a first cousin of Jackie Kennedy. She is most known for her participation, along with her mother, with whom she lived, in the 1975 documentary film Grey Gardens by Albert and David Maysles. Coincidentally, my sister recently watched the documentary and told me she enjoyed it immensely.


A view of the back.


The Duchess also selected the New Zealand born designer for the Anzac Day Service of  Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in April.


Meghan wore a hat by one of her favourite milliners, Philip Treacy.


The style is from the SS18 Collection. Meghan first wore it in August for the van Straubenzee wedding.


Meghan carried her black Givenchy satin clutch.


The talented Heaven identified Meghan's black shoes as the Tabitha Simmons Millie Slingback pumps. The $695 style is described: "Set on a slim heel, this pair of Tabitha Simmon's pumps has a point-toe silhouette, bow-embellished heel and are crafted from black suede."


Meghan accessorised with her £495 Pippa Small 18-karat gold Herkimer diamond earrings.

A closer look at Meghan's bracelet and rings.


Coming up: the Duke and Duchess will travel by boat to attend the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge on Cockatoo Island. In the evening, Harry and Meghan will attend a reception hosted by the NSW Premier, the Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, inside the Opera House. Afterwards it's the Invictus Games opening ceremony.

75 comments:

  1. Meghan's complexion is so lovely. I love her dress. It looks to be comfortable and easy to wear. The shoes are love at first sight once again. Who wears a uniform better then Harry, no one! It will be an exciting night for them as Harry officially opens the games this evening. I can't wait to hear his speech.

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    1. He has extra gold thingys like Charlotte said!

      I think Meghan might have a blusher issue there unless that's a big shadow. She does have a lovely complexion though. I wish mine were as good.

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    2. There’s nothing like a tall handsome man in a uniform! I wish he could have worn something like this at his wedding!

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    3. @bluhare I had to go back it’s the shadow of the facinator on her cheek. I couldn’t figure out if that was a contour issue or what but then I saw it from another angle.

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  2. I’m a sucker for pomp and ceremony. This is my favorite look of the tour so far. Meghan looks great.

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  3. Meghan has made Harry become the best man he can be. He has matured with purpose and a loving, giving heart. I am sure the Queen is very proud of him.

    They make a great team together.

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    1. I couldn't agree more. Harry has always been Harry, but she allows him to really be himself and it's lovely.

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    2. I think love is when a person lets you be yourself and also bring out the best of you. They seem to do that for each other. She seems more in love and settled after the pregnancy news, or traveling together is getting them know more and more about each other. So far, H&M in the rain under the umbrella AND seated bare feet on the beach sand are my favorite images. It had been a wonderful introduction to Australia and the country’s happy looking people.

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  4. Classic English Duchess look with military flare. Emilia Wickstead and Philip Treacy. Playing it very safe. She looks good. What do you mean by embargoed event?

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    1. Not previously advertised on the agenda typically for security or visits they wish to remain private.

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    2. Kelly it is a term used for the media. If Apple wants to announce a new iPhone on the 30th, but they want to share the news with the press, they "embargo" the announcement to keep it quiet until the event on news they want to release on the 30th.

      Here is the definition: In journalism and public relations, a news embargo or press embargo is a request or requirement by a source that the information or news provided by that source not be published until a certain date or certain conditions have been met.

      Hope that helps.

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  5. I can’t love these two enough! I wasn’t sure at first they moved their relationship so quickly but my goodness have I been made a huge fan of Meghan! I just adore everything about her. She has really helped Harry become this woman. They obviously adore each other and that shows in everything they do. So happy they have a little one on the way...how complete they will be! I especially adore the work all of the “young royals” are doing. Changing for the better...

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  6. Thank you for an exceptional covering of this Tour and all things Meghan... From start to finish and beyond Meghan has shown Grace, style, compassion and been true to herself with a work ethic that would grind most of us into the sands they were walking on at Bondi Beach. I love her easy, chic, effortless style. Meghan knows herself, knows her responsibilities and rarely misses a beat. Class all the way.

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  7. Kind of wishing the buttons were gold to match Harry’s uniform

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    1. I don't blame you, but the gold is highlighting service and military status here. Clothes wise, it is black and white, and so is hers ( black highlighted with white in her case).

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  8. I’m with you Anon23 - I love the pomp and ceremony of this look. I’m still anxiously waiting for some interesting jewelry to appear. I know that Meghan’s style is small and dainty - but I’m dying to see her in another statement piece of some size and dimension.

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    1. Let me help you out with this...we may never see her in sizable jewels...its not her thing. Except maybe a royal function with the queen and she wears a tiara

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  9. Love ALL the comments. I just keep thinking that she probably still has jet lag and of course is still pregnant. What a double whammy for the start of a grand tour. She really has been true to herself, as Wild Rose wrote.

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  10. Hmm i love the duchess She been wearing Hmm thank you charlotte for exceptional blogging give us and acess on the royal tour

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  11. She looks so good in black!! Sounds like it might be a three-outfit day, which is always fun.

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  12. This is such a lovely look on Meghan. I love the navy color, a nod to the blues and royals. I also think it has a hint of a military flare while being incredibly feminine. It reminds me of the 18th century when women would have dressed up versions of their husband’s uniforms made.

    I also have to commend Meghan on navigating the fascinator and hat game that is England events. As an American myself, I would feel a bit lost where to start and she’s made really lovely choices while still looking like herself and staying true to her style.

    Harry looks very handsome in his uniform. They both look wonderful.

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  13. Great post as always. I wonder, though, if the shoes are just new to us rather than really new. Because there is definite wear on the soles. Just a small point. She looks wonderful.

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  14. This imagery with the uniform, paying tribute to those who sacrifice for freedom, and Meghan's style and demeanor is all relatable to a global audience. A respectable presence regardless of who fought for what / each country in the world has its well deserving soldiers.

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  15. I am wishing they will not hold hands at this ceremony. It is good she has her hand busy with the clutch. I think it is Meghan who has more of the tendency to hold hands; other occasions ok, but hopefully not hold hands for such and other formal especially military memorials.

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  16. Lovely building. The early design is similar, to me, to that of the Art Deco buildings on the Dallas fairgrounds.

    Meghan is so cute---I think she is really enjoying being pregnant.

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  17. Oh my goodness, she looks divine!!! Love this dress- she looks like royal come to town times 100!!!! Love her soft waves in her hair, the Only advice I would love to give her is to invest in some Keratin Complex shampoo when she wants a sleek look and Davines hair products from Italy- they have a shine spray and some paste that is pure perfection and would be great for her hair type!! Hope she reads this!!!

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  18. Oh my goodness, she looks divine!!! Love this dress- she looks like royal come to town times 100!!!! Love her soft waves in her hair, the Only advice I would love to give her is to invest in some Keratin Complex shampoo when she wants a sleek look and Davines hair products from Italy- they have a shine spray and some paste that is pure perfection and would be great for her hair type!! Hope she reads this!!!

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    Replies
    1. Royal 👑 Watcher20 October 2018 at 03:32

      I agree Indigoisle, Deratin hair products would work wonders for these hairstyles, it would prevent the dry bristleness, and promote hydration and shine.

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    2. Royal 👑 Watcher20 October 2018 at 03:37

      omg Keratin. Silly auto correct at it again.

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    3. Dee from Adelaide, Australia20 October 2018 at 04:48

      You are so very right, the Davines Shimmer spray would be perfect for Meghan’s hair. She looks absolutely beautiful today. I have huge admiration for how seemingly effortlessly she has grown into her role. Although behind the scenes she has obviously worked extremely hard to understand each engagement that she is attending. It’s been just over 12 months since she stood by Harry’s side, and the happiness that radiates from them both seems to grow before our eyes as each day passes. They are so deeply in love, and I love how Harry is so proud of Meghan. I love to see him inviting her to shake hands with people first, and calling her over on a Royal walkabout to meet someone. It actually brings tears to my eyes ... that the Monarchy is in the safest of hands with Diana’s boys.
      She looks flawless today with her handsome husband by her side. Her dress was clearly chosen and fitted several weeks ago. Her blossoming pregnancy shows it now a little snug at the back, as have a few of her tour dresses. Clearly their secret was well kept. Hopefully her outfits for the next 2 weeks will see her through.
      I’m loving this tour, and so happy to see them both being so greatly loved by my fellow Aussies. xx

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  19. Great look! Love the dress and hat combo. Her hats are really outstanding. For someone who didn’t grow up with hats, she really does well with them.

    I also think she is pacing herself well on this trip. Yes, they have a ton of engagements, but they seem to be mainly between 8-5 which leaves Meghan time to rest and recoup and sleep well in the evenings....unless maybe I am missing something with the time delays.

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  20. this is so beautiful. she looks so elegant and poised. still though, i wish she had a brooch. but thats only because i love jewelry and want to see it not necessarily because the look needed it. :-D

    Annie
    NY, USA

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  21. I have to make a rather risque comment, so if you're a bit delicate please pass by this comment. If Meghan wasn't already pregnant, I'd say that seeing him in this uniform would definitely cause her to jump on him immediately!!! Frankly I don't know how she let him out of the house unruffled!! Grrrr!!!

    Oh yeah, Meghan looked lovely today. I do like this vintage, retro fashion on her and she can rock a fascinator like no other.

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    1. Truer words were never spoken...

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    2. There is definitely something about a man in uniform!

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    3. Rhonda - Wisconsin20 October 2018 at 03:32

      Oh yeah....yummy Harry

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    4. I did swoon a bit when I laid eyes on him.

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    5. I was thinking the same thing.. hihi...

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  22. She looks so regal and elegant. I love it!!! -AZ

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  23. Harry looks amazing in that uniform! Meghan looks very pretty and very appropriate, but I am really getting tired of all the navy. Except for a few minor variations, all her outfits look the same.

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    1. She’s wearing black
      Where are people seeing navy?

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  24. Aren’t the buttons white? Thus matching his uniform. Her accessories are gold trimmed, like his. This is a conservative, full-on duchess look in two of Kate’s favorite brands. Good grief.

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    1. Royal 👑 Watcher20 October 2018 at 03:35

      Do you like it, Greybird? I think it is a lovely approach to today's event. They both look appropriately solemn. I wonder how Harry went hearing Princess Diana's favourite hymn, it would have been very emotional.

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    2. Here what I was waiting for, some polished look and Harry to look smashing beautiful! Aww
      I'm good for all the remaining days of tour now lol ;)


      Silvia

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  25. I adore this dress! This might be my favourite look of the tour so far. I hope she gets it in white too, that would look fabulous in the summer. If only I had Meghan’s budget...

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  26. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look lovely. The Duke looks very handsome in his uniform and the Duchess is pretty and appropriately dressed. Interesting info on the dress style being inspired by a cousin to Jackie Kennedy. I remember Anzac from my high school history class so this post definitely reminded me of facts forgotten. Also, Charlotte, I watched the video of the unveiling ceremony and I enjoyed it. The Duke and Duchess work so well together, it is as if they have been working together for years. Thank you for posting the video and the history of the Anzac memorial.

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  27. Did she get the same hat in black and navy? Because the photo from the wedding it looks navy but the photos today look black

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    1. Royal 👑 Watcher20 October 2018 at 03:36

      I wondered about that too, Beth.

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    2. No, the hat and the dress at the wedding were black, they just photographed differently in sunlight and depending on which photo you look at.

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  28. The photo of carrying the wreath, where we see Meghan's outfit in full is my favourite, sombre and elegant.

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  29. I'm having trouble following this tour because the action starts around 6pm my time which with three children is dinner, homework, bedtime, then mommy crash time. So, feeling rather disconnected from the whole thing. I do love her lipstick shade here though. Very pretty pink.

    Really impressed with the way you are keeping up with it all, Charlotte. Thank you for immersing yourself in the tour. It must be all you are doing right now.

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    1. My sentiments exactly - I don't think many at home are finding it easy to follow perhaps because of the time differences. But the engagements look wonderful, the crowds enthusiastic, and whilst I'm not the greatest fan of Meghan's looks normally, especially all those expensive foreign clothes, this tour has been a pleasing change with Australian designers and some very nice dresses, particularly by Roksanda and this dress by Wickstead, who in spite of that wedding faux pas, has done in my mind some of the best looks for Meghan.

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    2. Completely agree, Julia.

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    3. Huh. Don't know who my comment was sent as unknown but that's me.

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  30. It is interesting to note that many of the elements of the Anzac Memorial (the circular Hall of Silence, the Eternal Flame) are reminiscent of the same elements in the Yad Vashem Memorial in Israel.

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    1. That is interesting. Thanks for that.

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  31. The seaming on this dress - in particular, how the bodice and the sleeves connect - is what makes this dress so interesting. I definitely like the black better than the white. It would be pretty with gold buttons.

    It's a lovely dress and fitting for the event. They look lovely together. A little surprised that she has new black, suede, slingback heels. I like her jewelry style. But tonight I hope she has on the Wattle brooch - maybe she's saving it for a reception?

    What's she going to wear tonight?

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  32. Thank you Charlotte for providing detailed and lovely posts on the tour. I know its alot of work, but you're doing such a fabulous job as always.I think Meghan looks Sophisticatingly divine in this classic look. Prince Harry does look handsome in his uniform. But what I've enjoyed is how happy they are and the tender moments shared between them.

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  33. Silvia from Tuscany20 October 2018 at 05:29

    Meghan looks beautiful, her dress is elegant and appropriate for the event. Moreover she wears hats very well. But I think this time eyes are more on Harry!

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  34. https://youtu.be/bvouc8Qs_MI


    Hi thought this was a perfect clip to post a nod to Harry and his service!

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  35. This is one event where I'll give her a pass on yet another black outfit. For a memorial service/commemoration event, that's the safe choice. (Which is why you should wear colour to at least some of the other, more "fun" events!)

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  36. Has anybody else noticed that Meghan's signature changed? It is more simple and less "calligraphy" now - if I remember correctly, she used to make decorative lines above M and N.
    Ella

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  37. I like the dress and she looks elegant, but the fitting is to long for her.

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  38. Can't agree with you there, Anonymous 8.10 - I think it's the perfect length! I love all Meghan's midis. Overall, a gorgeous ensemble; even though I'm not keen on the hat in itself, it goes well with the outfit and suits Meghan. Sarah UK

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  39. I wonder if she wears so much navy to downplay the focus on what shes wearing and more focus on the event ? One clever lady whatever her motives. She is just such an ambassador for the royals now, for me another Diana but more sane and prepared for the attention. Bravo Meghan !

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  40. Love this look. Her dress compliments Harry’s look perfectly.

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  41. She looks very pretty. I wonder if she wears a hair piece to make her hair look longer when she wears it down? It looks much longer than usual in these photos.

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    1. Wondering the same thing, ali. I like her hairstyle here. The pulled back ends are twisted and knotted in a very pretty way.

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  42. It's hard to keep up on these because the time difference is so vast. Thank you, Charlotte, for your dedicated coverage! It's really fun to pop on here when I have a spare moment.

    Meghan looks beautiful in this dress -- it's a little long for my taste, considering how heavy the material looks with the buttons down the front -- but I do love a good military-style outfit.

    And oh my God, Harry. I think he might be the MVP in this uniform.

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  43. I completely forgot to mention the engagement, itself. What a beautiful memorial, one of the prettier ones I've seen. Harry and Meghan's note was quite touching, I thought. And how special for Harry to be there where his namesake stood.

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  44. I like ceremonies like this. Harry is very serious in function and it shows that for more formal events they manage to get off lol. He was very handsome in his uniform.For Meghan I loved this dress, it would also go in white, hat jewelry and shoes at the top.

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  45. The hat is spectacular and yes the grey gardens documentary and the drew barrymore film about it is fantastic you should watch both Charlotte. Meghan looks elegant I love the hat the dress is very militant not my fave but appropriate for the function. Harry looks so dapper

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