Tuesday 30 October 2018

An Unforgettable Welcome for the Duke and Duchess at Lake Rotorua

For the final day of their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Rotorua, a town set on Lake Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.


Harry and Meghan arriving with their staff this morning.


Omid Scobie shared a beautiful photo from Lake Rotorua.


At Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua, Korowai (feather cloaks) were placed on the shoulders of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in preparation for the Pōwhiri, the Ceremony of Welcome.


Natalie Oliveri reports: "The Duchess was given a woven Korowai (Māori cloak) which acts a protector enveloping her in strength, warmth and love - gifted to aid her pregnancy".


The cloak also represents her position as a powerful woman.


More from Stuff NZ:

'The korowai creator, Ngāti Whakaue elder and artist Norma Sturley said in Māori history, women tupuna (ancestors) have always had a prominent role. A Māori chieftainess had a korowai to demonstrate her rangātiratanga (chiefly authority) and women also fought in battles - not taking a backseat for their gender.
"We see the duchess as representing strong kaupapa (values) for women - she displays aroha (love), manaakitanga (nurturing & hospitality), mana (influence), dignity and strength, all signs of great leadership," Whakaue said.
As for the duchess' pregnancy, the korowai also holds representations for this exciting news. "The korowai is like a protector, to wrap a korowai around someone is to envelop them in strength, warmth and aroha (love). In Māori history, korowai were made initially to keep people warm. Coming from the warmer climate of Hawaiki we adapted by weaving clothes using materials such as harakeke (flax) to keep warm." 
Earlier, at the marae, Prince Harry began his speech in te reo, and every line was greeted with applause, as schoolkids in yellow polos, warriors with taiaha and korowai-clad kuia looked on. "Thank you so much for the beautiful cloak you have gifted myself and the duchess," said Harry, adding it would be treasured in the family. He then led the waiata himself, singing all of the words to Te Aroha in te reo' 

The Duke and Duchess watch the Haka Pōwhiri, the Dance of Welcome, outside the Wharenui.


Hariata Kohunui performing in a pōwhiri.


It was a truly spectacular welcome.


A group of children from the area participated.


The 1860 Whakaue flag was carried, a gift from Queen Victoria for Te Arawa’s loyalty to the Crown.


Stuff New Zealand reports: "The Duchess received a bouquet of lily of the valley flowers from Rotorua councillor Trevor Maxwell's grandchild Atareta - the same flowers she had at her wedding.


The two shared a hongi. International journalists present at the gathering said Rotorua had "stolen the show" with its welcome. One cameraman said "they have saved the best for last".




Te Arawa spokesperson Sir Toby Curtis said the royal couple's visit to Rotorua was of huge importance to the iwi and Māori. "The Duchess is a role model for Maōri. She has shown you can succeed, make a difference and be your own person while also celebrating your heritage. This inspires us all."


An overview.


The Duke and Duchess enjoyed lunch there afterwards. Meghan was eager to help prepare the meal.


View a lengthy video from the engagement below.


The Duchess wore a navy Stella McCartney asymmetric dress this morning.

Embed from Getty Images

It is thought the dress is a bespoke piece from the British designer. Elizabeth from Meghan's Fashion shared two very similar styles. Below, the Long-Sleeve Side-Pleat Gown and the Asymmetric Crepe Dress.



Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB navy suede pumps.



Once again, Meghan wore her Boh Runga Discologo earrings from the Prime Minister.


Meghan wore her Royal British Legion poppy pin on her lapel.


Meghan accessorised with a stunning green necklace. People reports: "The necklace is from leading Maori designer, Kiri Nathan, and was carved by Jason Nathan. It was given to the Duchess of Sussex by New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy when she and Prince Harry arrived on Sunday at Government House. According to the designer’s website, each piece holds it’s own mana (integrity, strength), denoting status and power. Pounamu is traditionally handed down as a valued heirloom or given as a gift to affirm relationships, peace, love and safe journeys."


The necklace can be commissioned for $650 (Aus) on Kiri Nathan's website. The label produces exquisite, high-end fashion, Pounamu jewellery, handwoven accessories, contemporary Korowai and Kakahu. It was founded in 2010.


The Duchess has just changed into a Givenchy ensemble for the afternoon.


We'll see you shortly with a post on those events!

57 comments:

  1. I've been wondering about this for a long time, and maybe someone could answer for me. The younger royals are more touchy feely than the older generation, giving hugs and shaking so many hands. The queen wears gloves. Now I know nobody wears gloves anymore, but aren't the royals a bit worried about germs and getting sick? Many people wait in crowds for hours for a glimpse of the royals, and I can't believe that a child who has waited that long and who holds his hand out to a royal has perfectly clean hands! Who is to know if any of the adults have colds or fever. I always thought of this, especially during Kate's, and now Meghan's, pregnancy. The royals have so many engagements and they can't afford to be sick. Charlotte, do you have an explanation? Thanks for the hard work you put in to your blogs. You're the best!

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    1. Royal 👑 Watcher31 October 2018 at 01:20

      I don’t know, but I would imagine they have hand sanitizer and hand washing with soap and water readily available. You do raise a valid point, Abby.

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    2. Eve from Vermont31 October 2018 at 01:58

      I wonder about the same. They are also more vulnerable away from England because the germs are different. Meghan once wrote a Tig blog post about traveling and she mentioned some essental oil she used under her nose to protect her from airborne stuff on the plane. Maybe it was peppermint oil? I can’t remember. Maybe she slathers herself with it before a walkabout LOL. I might just google The Tig Meghan travel tips to look at her list of travel must haves again because I remember the post to be quite sensible and helpful unlike most fashion magazine tips. I get sick easily so I couldn’t do what she is doing...maybe the daily yoga helps too....something I don’t do, but know I should! I admire Meghan and Charlotte, for having the discipline to do so much and bring joy to others!

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    3. I actually think about this also. Gloves do a couple of things, help with germs:) but also your hands get very dry from lots of hand shaking and exposure to the elements. I am thinking you would have to learn not to touch your face until you could clean and moisturize your hands.

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    4. It is definitely one reason they change clothes often. The outdoor crowds have waited for hours, in the cold or sun or rain and the hugging, handshakes, etc. transfers make-up, perfume, sweat, soap, and much worse. It is an issue quietly dealt with in settings where protocol is important. It is one reason that not everyone wants to be touched by lots of strangers! It is actually dangerous for many people with specific health issues. It was one reason people wore gloves in receiving lines, and why in the old days, having a cold meant you couldn't go to the party and make other people sick. The hand washing is one thing, but the breathing around all these people is risky, too.

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    5. Queen of the Sun31 October 2018 at 03:59

      I have wondered if the reason she push up her sleeves so often might be to keep them from ‘harms’ way. It is easier to wash your hands and arms between a walkabout and the next function, than your coat.
      Maybe we will see a lot more bracelet length sleeves next time around.

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    6. Here's tip, that I use when travelling or just on a day to day basis. In my purse I have a small spray bottle and in I put alcohol, that I buy at a pharmacy. Hand sanitizers don't totally sanitize, because they are mostly gel with very little alcohol. Then serval times a day, I spray my hands and rub them together. Alcohol kills germs. It is handy to have in your purse, to use before eating, to use when you've shaken a lot of hands, to use just to know your hands are germ free.

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    7. The reliance on hand sanitizers with associated less thorough hand washing was directly related to the rise of hospital acquired infections. The early hand sanitizers were not effective against some common pathogens--E-Coli, for one. Nursing homes were especially vulnerable because the elderly, ill residents had poor immunity. Another problem is one similar to the build-up of antibiotic-resistant germs from indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
      It is important that you recognize the deficiencies of some of these wipes and lotions. Adding alcohol is an interesting idea. Two problems with that. There is probably a reason why alcohol was not added to begin with, as alcohol is also an effective preservative. There is a possibility of the alcohol's interfering with the action of ingredients in the product. Also, alcohol is drying to skin-studies have found that dry, cracked skin on hands as well as hang-nails allow the easy entrance of pathogens into the body.
      I would suggest frequent and thorough handwashing when such contact is required , paying special attention to the sides of the hands and the areas between the fingers and including washing the wrists, not just the hands. Also, frequent use of skin moisturizers to prevent cracking. I guess everyone knows to use a tissue or towel when turning faucets on and off in public restrooms.

      (signed) Nurse Nancy

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  2. Oh I love the stella Mccartney dress im so imblove with that dress wow moari cloch And she looks goos ansd actually see the little one

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  3. Does she look fierce or what!!

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  4. This visit is even more exciting than I was expecting. Talk about putting on a celebration. It's amazing. I can hardly wait for Charlotte to gift us all with amazing videos of the event. Wow!

    And Meghan looks great as well. Yes, Emily she does look fierce!

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  5. Tammy from California30 October 2018 at 23:48

    Ohhhhh how BEAUTIFUL that they gave her the cloak to protect her while pregnant. Just beautiful.

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  6. Courtney from NC31 October 2018 at 00:11

    At first, when I was on my phone, I zoned in on the steps and thought that woman coming down the steps was Megan. I was super stoked about the dress because it was so different from what she's worn on the tour, and well ever, and it would be a great maternity look. When I realized my mistake I felt quite silly. Once I found the real Megan I kind of shrugged. She looks nice but it is very much a wash, rinse and repeat sense because it is so similar to her other navy looks from the tour.

    I bet they will both be ready to hibernate for a week or two when they get home.

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  7. She looks great but I am getting a bit tired of navy and how often will she repeat all these navy dresses? She had asymmetric hem navy dresses. Why not more red or maroon or pink or emerald? She doesn’t have to go bright but would have loved this dress in maroon or emerald

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    1. I agree she looks nice but there has been an awful lot of solid navy worn in the past two weeks. I don't really understand it either, BethW. I can understand a woman choosing to wear darker solid-colored outfits at work on a regular basis. For example, a woman attorney or a bank official might do that. But those women are not being photographed daily nor is it likely the same clients will see them day in and day out. I also understand a woman traveling for business might choose dark business clothes for practical reasons and might then repeat outfits during a given trip. But that doesn't apply here since we've seen so many different new designer navy dresses. So I don't understand.

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    2. I am sure everyone is thinking what you are thinking - navy? Again? Honestly if she had gray on I'd be thrilled only cause it would be a different color.

      I kinda get it. Navy is my go to color as well.

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    3. Because she likes navy, and she doesn't like red and emerald.

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    4. I think part of the issue with her navy is it is actually hard with a quick glance to tell many of the dresses apart. I know, I know :):) if you look closely there are seams and sleeve differences. But, I would have liked her to repeat a few more of her dresses and not worry about changing it up:):).I do love that green necklace>

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    5. But that’s not true because she has worn maroon and emerald. So clearly she doesn’t hate them. Maybe they didn’t think they would release the news about the baby and she was trying to hide the bump?

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    6. Might be an idea for a post tour poll...Best Navy Dress. Lol!!

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    7. I don't understand her obsession with navy either. She has soooo many navy outfits--and she looked amazing in red and maroon and Fiji blue!! She can wear any color under the rainbow--and buy anything she wants!!!

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  8. Pretty dress. Love Stella. It’s almost over. Even I need a break. Charlotte you REALLY deserve a break. Thank you.

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    1. +1 to Kelly (and of course Charlotte) :)

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  9. Radiant! I will miss seeing them everyday. We have been spoiled.

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    1. I think I will too. I have enjoyed following along these last two weeks. I'm almost overwhelmed with everything they've done every day without a day off. Well unless you count meghans half day last week!

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    2. Me too. But they must be really tired and so is our lovely Charlotte!

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  10. She looks nice and the cloak is lovely.

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  11. I commented that she looked like Zena Warrior Princess, but looked up the spelling then, and it's Xena. And the show was produced in ... New Zealand!

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  12. So I like everything the duchess is wearing but I have to share, though it may come off a little unpleasant. I feel as though the clothes she has worn were set prior to her pregnancy and with that, didn’t account for having the clothes be a little snug around her precious blossoming bump. I wonder if she felt a little uncomfortable for I’m sure she felt the clothes a little tight on her, especially during the times when she bent down to greet little children and at times when she sat down. I just feel that the staff didn’t have any knowledge of this to better assist the duchess with her wardrobe to be able to accommodate the change in her body. Regardless, the clothes worn were beautiful to say the least. I just wish they were altered on location to fit her better in this stage of her pregnancy. Charlotte my dear, thank you once again for spending tireless hours working on this blog as well as keeping the Duchess Kate blog up to date as well. You are amazing!!!

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    1. I can't be seeing what you are seeing....the dress looks far from tight, snug, ill-fitted. She never looks uncomfortable in what she is wearing...something tells me she would just change before leaving if an outfit made her feel less than fab

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  13. I came here to comment that I truly hope the cloaks are gifts. They are STUNNING and so meaningful.

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  14. Meghan is the epitome of simple, elegant, modern, fashion. I would be glad to wear navy 8 days of ten. It’s a dignified, powerful color, and I feel great in it. I bet Meghan does too.
    They look so respectful and strong in their ceremonial cloaks. What a marvelous welcome.

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  15. I adore Meghan’s style and I’m a huge fan of navy myself, but did she really change from one navy dress to another in the same day? Even Harry changed it up!

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  16. Kudos to Meghan for being faithful to neutrals in order to showcase the events they are attending and not let what she's wearing overshadow them. I have learned so much about New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Tonga from this tour, not to mention seeing how much they really want to connect and sow the seeds of goodwill with the younger generation. One can clearly see they are laying the foundation for the future and looking at the long game. I would much rather see Meghan doing that than putting emphasis on fashion. I realize this blog is also about style, but thankfully she appears to choose substance over style. Well done, Meghan! And thanks so much Charlotte for this incredible coverage!

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    1. In my opinion, interesting fashion does not overshadow an appearance rather it brings more attention to it in a good way. Rather than seeing just another navy dress and not clicking, I think maybe more people would click and then in turn would learn about the wonderful things they are doing. The fashion in the latter part of the trip was much better and she looks so great in different colors! I understand having a go to color and for Meghan that is neutrals but when you are on the world stage seeing multiple designer navy dresses that are almost indistinguishable is perplexing. I am speaking purely from a fashion perspective and not minimizing Meghan and all of the great work she does. I feel like I have to say this because although this is a fashion blog, some may take offense. I think you can comment on fashion without commenting on the person!

      Lisa in NJ

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    2. I think what people need to realise this woman is about business, we are so get used to talking about fashion just fashion when it comes to tours, it became the standard. I'm very happy I could take so much away from this tour, and the least was the fashion and clothes because frankly, they are not more just clothes.

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  17. What a wonderful welcome for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have been very well received on this tour. I hope the ‘causes’ they have supported on this tour make a real positive difference in the world. Thank you, Charlotte. I’m looking forward to the posts on the other events tomorrow; my bedtime/USA.

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  18. This is a 16 day tour with over 70 engagements for a pregnant woman so I have no issues with what the Duchess of Sussex has worn. It’s been a blessing for her to be present at the majority of these functions. I’ll be glad when both Royals get some much needed rest and you too, Charlotte need rest. What an awesome job you have done with this tour. Your integrity in posting is to be commended.

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  19. I can understand 100% how she loves a good navy dress - I am exactly the same (in fact i just bout another one today - too nice and too good of a deal to pas.. :) - one can never have enough pretty navy dresses. They are the most elegant outfits possible. And she looks just beautiful in all these outfits.

    I love how Megan and Harry were welcomed so warmly. What a great culture - so unique. Happy to see that the NZ government is able to give the right level of respect and protection to ensure they keep their traditions and way of life. We should take their example in North America (and not just talk about it - actually help support and preserve aboriginal cultures).

    JV

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  20. Queen of the Sun31 October 2018 at 03:55

    I think the navy works perfectly to show off the cloak and in the busy environment. I also like the sleeve length on her, it looks flattering and it doesn’t have the rumpled effect that pushing up her sleeves create. Which is why it is a pity that it is navy dress number 275. It definitely lessened the effect.

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  21. ok this is one gorgeous woman and yes she loves navy but it suits her. i love her hair like this and this stunning bespoke figure hugging piece. i love the shoes too

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  22. Seeing the photographers in the foreground quite prominently in the first video, made me wonder if that lovely male photographer – an older man whose first name is Arthur (sorry, I can’t remember his last name or who he worked for) - might have been along on this trip. Is there any way to tell if he has been there?
    What an extraordinary journey this has been, for us as well as Meghan and Harry and their entourage. Charlotte there are no words to adequately express my admiration and gratitude for all the work you have done to keep us up to date. It’s too bad that you couldn’t receive a korowai and hongi from each and every one of us! Not nearly as spectacular as those, but here’s a heartfelt salute to the best of bloggers! (●∀●)ゝ”

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  23. Beautiful event! Love all the symbolism.

    Oh, and is it me or are we busting out today? Probably not appropriate to comment upon... :)

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  24. What a respectful couple. I loved they joined in with the singing of Te Aroha...Translation-love, faith, peace and protection for everyone. The Duke's ability to use Te Reo was beautiful. The korowai were perfect for this noble couple. Made me so proud to be a New Zealande

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  25. Charlotte - you are in the "home stretch" as we say here is the U.S. What a tour, what a fantastic job you did - sincerely. Correct me if I'm wrong, have Will and Kate been on a 16-day tour? I wouldn't blame Harry and Meghan if they don't leave their cottage until Remembrance Sunday.

    Charlotte I know that you'll eventually start on your polls. I would like to ask you to come up with more categories if possible (only because I want to vote for all of my favorites). :-)

    If there is anyway to have: Gown, Formal (with a hat perhaps), Dresses, Casual dresses, and Separates? How could we possbily vote for one dress out 17 or 20? So many I loved and I can't wait to see which the readers rate the highest.

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  26. What a welcome, those feather cloaks and that necklace are breathtaking. It was fantastic to read all the "hidden" meanings, beautiful culture.

    And this is Meghan, she wanted to meet the ladies cooking, wow.

    She looked beautiful as always!

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  27. Charlotte, many many thanks for all your efforts!

    I was wondering if we can also have a blog, after the tour about Amy Pickerill her clothes? She is such a Nice, mailing young woman!

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  28. I think Meghan is lovely, but her style is not great, the clothes seem to wear her and not the other way around. She is so beautiful, but the dresses and coats she choses are perhaps more suited to a taller woman

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  29. Meghan and Harry looked stunning in their cloaks and she seemed to have chosen a perfect dress to wear under it. They both looked happy and relaxed for the walk in the forest. I thought Meghan's wardrobe adapted very well to her growing baby bump. She seemed for the most part, to pick clothing that was accommodating either in cut or in fabric. I thought the Givenchy two-piece was brilliant (and hopefully see many years of wear, and of course she wouldn't make a major tour without something from her favorite!). They announced the pregnancy so that people would not think she had gained weight, and so most would just appreciate and remember Meghan is an expectant mother. It's impossible to tell from day to day which way baby was going to push out. Unless she travelled with full-on maternity, I think she did well. Possibly, since it seems they wanted to start a family as soon as possible, she may have kept all of this in the back of her mind. I thought the entire wardrobe was excellent, and I always think that she doesn't want to stand out the way the queen does through colour. Meghan has certainly proved that she will be a very strong member of the royal family, and that she connects with people and is liked and respected wherever she goes.

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  30. My goodness I just noticed how Harry looks positively *regal* in that stately cape. Meghan's in a way overwhelms her but then again it is meant to protect. This is a post I have to return to, lots of information to process. Brilliant work, as always.

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    1. Harry looked amazing in that cloak! Magnificent, even👌

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  31. One more THANK YOU SO MUCH from Canada as well, Charlotte. You are nothing short of excellent with your well researched and positive posts. Not to mention how quick and reliable you are. Like so many others, I take particular pleasure in reading your blog-rather than the news or other blogs- and have to say: well done!!

    JV

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  32. I believe Navy is Meghan's superpower color. She has got to be exhausted doing so many engagements as well as being pregnant for the first time. I think it is a comfort color for her. It makes her feel secure and confident. We should all try to see it from her point of view and imagine what we would do in her high heeled :0 shoes. My superpower color is purple and I rocked the heck out of it when I was pregnant (and that was in the 80s so you know the clothes were yuck :) and was feeling tired or overwhelmed. She and Harry did an amazing job and so did Charlotte. It has been such a stressful time here in America recently and I come to this blog and watch these two amazing people and I feel hope. That's an amazing superpower to give to the world because I know I'm not the only one who comes to this blog to release and relax. Charlotte you are part of the Superpower posse!!! You go girl!!!!

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    1. You are so right! This blog brightens a lot people’s days & it is a much needed respite from some of the terrible things going on right now. A tip of the hat to Charlotte 🎩

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  33. What an incredible tour that really puts Harry and Meghan on the world map! Your coverage was amazing Charlotte and thank you so much for the long hours and your hard work. I follow both your blogs every day, but don't comment so often. I think Harry and Meghan will have a huge effect on highlighting important issues, which is so needed in these difficult times.

    Living in Australia, I saw an article posted today for those interested, on the cost of Meghan's outfits, jewellery and accessories. I'm not sure who/how these figures were arrived at, but they are jaw-dropping! https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/people/meghan-markles-wardrobe-for-the-royal-tour-cost-an-insane-amount/news-story/98bc8681e38b35346813259a1a875633

    Fiona in Australia

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  34. Dear "Mad About Meghan", A big shout out to you on this article covering Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan and their visit to New Zealand. I have recently started blog posting about cultural fashion and your post was helpful in my researching on the Kakahu and Korowais Cloaks of the Maori people. I enjoyed the images and descriptions of all the outfits. Keep up the good work. And thank you for sharing!
    You can read my post where I reference your site here: https://culturalfashionres.wixsite.com/home/post/m%C4%81ori-aotearoa-new-zealand-the-k%C4%81kahu

    Thanks again,
    Lisa Orme
    CulturalFashionResource.com

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