Thursday 25 October 2018

Meghan in Martin Grant for Tonga Engagements!

The Duke and Duchess carried out a number of engagements during their whirlwind visit to Tonga.


Their first port of call was a meeting with Prime Minister of Tonga Akilisi Pohiva.


Rebecca English shared a look at the Tongan red carpet.


A very warm welcome for the royals.

Embed from Getty Images

More from the Mail Online:

'The couple were also met by Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Lafu Kioa Sika and more than 50 civil servants wearing red and black shirts and traditional outfits as they entered the St George Government Buildings for the meeting, most of which was held in private.
 One child held a sign saying 'free hugs' which drew a smile from Meghan after she spotted it. The couple then took the lift to meet the Prime Minister, with Prince Harry asking 'Did you enjoy last night? The entertainment was very good'. 
He was referring to a display of traditional Tongan entertainment after a formal dinner with King Tupou VI. The Duke and Duchess were garlanded as they arrived for the noisy celebration.'

The adorable 'Free Hugs' sign.


And a hug from Harry :)


A spectacular Tongan welcome for the Duke and Duchess!



From there, Harry and Meghan attended an exhibition with the Princess Angelika at the Faonelua Centre, celebrating Tongan handicrafts and products, including traditional mats and 'tapa' cloth. The couple met local Tongan traders and craftsmen.


The Duke and Duchess watched a beautiful solo dance, known as a Ta’ulunga, at a National Youth Event at Fa’omelua Convention Centre.

Embed from Getty Images

The Mail reports: "Inside they sat on two throne-like chairs in the centre of the room, while Princess Angelika, delivered her short address after a prayer was read. The princess said the royal couple were 'an inspiration to the youth of the Commonwealth' for 'shining a light on youth empowerment'. She said the 'historical highlight' in relations between Britain and Tonga had been the Queen's visit to the island in 1953.' Your visit today draws attention to the fundamentals of today's youth, youth leadership, youth empowerment and addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges of our region. Your visits inspires and has been an inspiration for the youth of Tonga to be the best they can be. You are a beacon of hope to us all. Shining a light and being an inspiration to youth across the Commonwealth.' The princess, a diplomat herself, called the visit by the Duke and Duchess the 'ultimate diplomacy'."


The Duchess wore the Striped Cotton Dress by her go-to Australian designer for the trip, Martin Grant. The green stripe dress has a button-down silhouette, mandarin collar, circle skirt and belted accent at the waist. The dress is available at Moda Operandi.


The dress is from the designer's Spring 2019 Collection.


People reports:

“It’s wonderful to be represented by such a beautiful, modern and stylish woman,” Grant tells PEOPLE. “I also think that her look has been unintimidating, which is perfect for her role in meeting the people of Australia, who tend to be quite laid back.”

The Duchess carried the very stylish Prada Bibliothèque Bag  (with thanks to the ID Queen Heaven).



The Duchess accessorised with her Birks Bee Chic earrings.


It very much looks like Meghan wore the same green pumps from Prince Louis' christening. 


Meghan has changed into the sky blue Veronica Beard Cary dress for the afternoon's engagements.


I'm off to work on that post now!

66 comments:

  1. she looks lovely and fresh, ready for the day!

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    1. Theresa, I left you a message on the Tonga arrival post about the mascara but since I you're here it's Maybelline Lash Sensational.

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  2. Simply exquisite, fresh and young. Gorgeous. I love the whole outfit, those shoes are amazing!

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  3. A print! It's fun to see her take a break from the solid colors, but I'm not a fan of all the different directions of stripes. I'll need to see more pictures, though.

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    1. Love it from the side. Way too many directions when looked at head on. The pony is fabulous though.

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    2. It kind of makes me dizzy haha

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  4. Who is going to make the knock off version of this dress,because I will be buying!

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  5. Not too sure on this one so far. For me, the stripes send your eyes in different directions. I like the fact she is trying different patterns. White and olive do have a fresh look and I love her shoes and hair.

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  6. A well designed and decent stripe dress ( good it is not black and white at least in the case of some engagements). The changes of her hair style had been fun to watch as she continued to emerge in the many versions of her images.

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  7. Love it! The whole outfit & hair style looks fantastic, she will feel so much better in cotton, not a great fabric for travel but worth the effort for Meghan who has looked so warm in the past couple of days.

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  8. Love the multi-directional stripes! And the shoes nail it!! Olive & white! Very nice. Original. I like her hair this way, too, for this dress. Great look.

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  9. I love her hair and makeup, especially her hair. I like the colors of the dress, however I am not sure
    about the cut. The Duchess has such a lovely figure, this silhouette seems to be too voluminous.
    I like the Duchess in more tailored pieces.

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    1. I think I have to agree with you there; I prefer her in more streamlined silhouettes.

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  10. Wow, I love this dress. I feel like her tour style is improving as we go on. I really love the olive green color and the stripes. I think those are the shoes she wore to Louis's christening, right? Looks like the same color.

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    1. They look like the same shoes to me. I love the color!

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    2. I agree! The only dress that was a complete miss for me was the stopped slit one but otherwise she is nailing it! I love how her style has developed. There’s been some for issues the last few days but the actual dresses she picked are great for what she’s been doing. Today’s dresses are some of my favourite of the whole tour on her.

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  11. I love how she wore green shoes to match the green in her dress.

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    1. They really make the outfit pop!

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  12. Such pretty colors for everything! I love the dress and I think she's comfortable in it. They are such a great couple!! I'll never think of Harry as just a blue suit again. ;)

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    1. Harry’s really branched out! I love the new (fashionable) Harry :D

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  13. Courtney from NC25 October 2018 at 23:33

    She looks lovely!

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  14. Shantel (@FashionandFaith)25 October 2018 at 23:33

    Meghan is KILLING IT in every way: sartorially; professionally (that speech was amazing)... I am so proud of her!

    It had to be difficult to plan a tour wardrobe when, as a pregnant woman, she basically had to estimate what size she'd be at each event. When you're pregnant, your body can change so much, so quickly. She has pulled this off beautifully so far.

    This tour has been a success in every way. Harry and Meghan have conducted themselves in a manner that has to make the Queen, the Royal Family, and the people of the UK so proud. This American girl is bursting with pride, too!

    Charlotte, as usual, you are doing a beautiful job covering everything. You set the standard! Thank you for your hard work!
    Shantel
    Minnesota, USA

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  15. Great look. Very fresh and professional looking dress and the shoes, hair and bag really look great.

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  16. What Shantel said!!!

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  17. OK have a question. I thought it was pretty much a no-no for royal women to cross their legs, instead it’s supposed to be the Duchess slant. So far, all I have seen is Meghan crossing her legs at the knees. Am I missing something?

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    1. Yes - there really is no protocol when it really comes down to it - just preference really - people (IMO) are making things up because of what they see the Queen - because if this was truly an issue Meghan would have been advised 😊

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    2. There is no such royal protocol about crossing or not crossing your legs. After certain royal reporters and tabloids criticized Meghan for doing this months ago, there were lots of pictures floating around of the queen and Anne and Diana with legs crossed.

      IMO, it's just one more thing (along with the stupid business about closing her own door, holding hands with H, wearing certain colors, not wearing certain colors, blaming Meghan instead of PPOs about leaving the market early) that's being used to criticize Meghan. In certain quarters, everything she does is wrong, against protocol, something no other royal does (even with photographic evidence of other royals doing it), going to bring about the end of the monarchy, etc. It's really annoying, IMO. Meghan has several royal advisors - including one who came directly from the Queen's office (Samantha Cohen) - not to mention her lifelong royal husband, so I'm sure she has been advised about dos and don'ts.

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    3. Honestly I think the dutchess slant only came around because photogs were trying to take pics up their skirts/dresses but you'll notice there is no chance of that when Meghan wears her midi dresses so I think that's why she doesn't do it. Have you ever tried to sit like that? It's super uncomfortable.
      Tiara

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    4. When I was doing yoga and had Meghan’s body type (thin, flexible) sitting like that was actually comfortable for me!

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    5. It isn't just the act of crossing one's legs. It's where, when, and how it is done.
      I doubt you will see photos of HM or Anne crossing their legs above ankles on a raised platform or in the front row of a commemorative or historic photograph. Or in church. Just about every one of those crossed leg photos was at the Braemar Games (legs often covered by a blanket) or a similar casual, outdoor, or sporty event.

      Crossed legs when wearing a midi or maxi-length gown or trousers will maintain modesty. Crossed legs in a skirt at knee level or above will cause the revealing of not only upper leg but in this instance a loose tunnel of skirt that must have provided an interesting view for some.
      How to cross. The ankle cross is nearly always acceptable, apparently. The Queen or at least Anne have also been photographed with one leg crossed AT the knee --assuming appropriate length of skirt. Crossing above the knee at the thigh level runs the risk of an unintended peep show. I doubt anyone can produce a photo of HM crossing her legs above the knee. Or Anne, for that matter. Maybe Anne--in trousers.

      I feel sure Meghan is continuing on with a habit formed over a lifetime. She is no doubt comfortable with the thigh cross. I feel fairly certain that she will continue to do so until someone she listens to seriously tells her not to. And I am also fairly certain that blogs and comment section commenters, and probably royal scribes are not amongst those she listens to...seriously.

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  18. I think she has looked fabulous on this tour. It must be utterly exhausting to be on show and smiling all the time! I have seen all the pics on the Daily Mail and it looks as if she left her engagement ring off... I wonder why?

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    1. Swelling hands due to repeated air travel, hotter climate and pregnancy perhaps? I never fly with my rings on. I choose my shoes carefully, too. And no, they wouldn't be the killer stilettos which Meghan rocks effortlessly.

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    2. I was wondering about that as well, Barbara, but she was wearing it again with the blue dress (I believe).

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  19. Meghan has aced this tour! (& Harry, too!). There has been so much love & affection for this couple. It’s really special to see :) I think both of them have grown & shown their mettle during this tour & Meghan keeps going from strength to strength.

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  20. Wondering if the 2nd dress was intended for Fiji it looks ‘Fiji blue’?

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  21. Steph from Canberra26 October 2018 at 00:03

    Really like the first glance at the blue dress. I like the stripes - very summery, although I think I'd like it more unbuttoned a little - not so keen on the high neckline.

    Also, how cute are the kids school uniforms!

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  22. We have a proper ponytail! Yayyyy!! Meghan and I have nearly identical hair and this is my go to. Love it!

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  23. She looks fresh and lovely and she wore better than improving style

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  24. Courtney from NC26 October 2018 at 00:09

    The Veronica Beard might be my favorite look of the tour. Can't wait for more photos.

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  25. The blue dress is stunning.

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  26. I think I'm starting to see why Meghan wore so much navy blue and black for the first leg of the tour. I think for the first week she wanted to set the tone that the tour was not going to be a fashion catwalk. That she was there to work, not to show off her amazing dresses. Now it's the second leg of the tour and she is having fun with the fashions. More colors, more prints, different cuts and looks. Over at the Daily Mail the comments all call her "calculating." And I actually agree with them but I don't think she is in a bad way. I think she is just very aware that the tour would be a media extravaganza and she needed to send a message that not every day would have a breathless new look. That was week 1. Now she's having more fun with fashions, as if appropriate.

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    1. That's a really good theory, Ivy Lin! I think you're right that she really doesn't want to be known as a fashion plate but at the same time knows she can use her platform to promote ethical/sustainable brands and women-owned businesses.

      It's so amazing to remember that they still have the Invictus closing ceremony and then a whole leg in New Zealand! This tour is just jam-packed. I'm so impressed at how completely she has hit the ground running - from overnights with the queen, the Together book, this tour (while pregnant!), and her first (incredible) speech. She's is doing such a wonderful job that part of me doesn't even want to bother criticizing her clothes because I'm just so impressed with her actions. I kind of don't really care when they are ill-fitting or all dark colors, lol.

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  27. Loving the Rebecca Beard dress. The third Martin Grant is a miss for me. Like the olive stripe, but it’s overwhelming her and head-on, it’s a multi-directional, add 20 pounds instantly mess. The side view is tolerable. I’m amazed she’s still on her feet, she looks wiped out. Hope she can sleep on the plane, brave woman.

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  28. Meghan looks so much more comfortable, and whilst the belt is sitting cutely on top of her growing body, and the bust is pulling ... the look doesn’t look too tight. I’m guessing that both she and Harry thought they could get through the tour before her body started to change too much. She is so tiny, that baby Sussex has grown so much in 2 weeks. I was 52kg when I was pregnant with my darling son, and got through to 22 weeks before I told my staff, she looks like she’s at least 16-18 weeks. In Australia our seasons begin on 1st March for (our Autumn), Spring in the UK. Is it the same in the UK? Or, do your seasons change on March 22nd, like in the US? So, I’m loving this look for her, and the blue shirt dress, they’re perfect for this 2nd trimester. (Could it possibly be twins?). Adore her hair today, and the subtle change between engagements to a middle part . She’s truly glowing! Back to Australia this afternoon. We’ve missed her.

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  29. Veronica Beard hits the mark every single time. There clothing is well worth the investment. Timeless and classic. The color is wonderful on Meghan. The Grant dress as well looks lovely on her. Meghan looks much more rested today after much flying around. Love, love, love the pony tail.

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  30. At first I wasn't sure about the stripe dress (although I do like the olive-on-white) but I think it looks stunning with the red and white Tongan flower garlands over it - I wonder if it was planned for that event specifically.

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    1. I think they planned it for the red garlands as well. Well done!

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  31. J. B. @ 23:54. There is NO Royal protocol for the “duchess slant”. That term has been reported as invented by the media and has NOTHING to do with a mandate from the Queen. Pictures have been posted on this blog that show the Queen and Princess Ann NOT using a “slant” of any kind. Princess Ann had her legs crossed at the knees.

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  32. Love, love, love the olive dress and her pony! I'm shocked at how quickly her body is changing! Her face looks so full! She glowing. Predicting a boy. She's been doing such an amazing job, I dont know how she's keeping up!

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  33. I love everything about this tour and Meghan and Harry. Loved today’s blue dress and absolutely loved last night’s white gown. I am a little surprised that Harry has only been at the Invictus games for maybe two days at the beginning. It seems like he was there all the time for prior games, and not so much this year.

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  34. Thank you for including the beautiful dances ! I remember on my trip to Hawaii , we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center these beautiful dancers from Tonga. Dancing in many of the cultures is considered a gift. The choices of sustainable clothing or jewelry on this trip and her newer color choices has proven the DoS has done her homework.

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  35. I’m enjoying the dress the Duchess of Sussex is wearing. I like the colors and it seems to be a comfortable fit. At this stage of her pregnancy, I hope her clothes give her comfort.

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  36. Both dresses look very feminine and I love the full skirts. The soft shape and full skirt of the Martin Grant dress looks wonderful on Meghan, and the side view shows a lovely slim figure. The color of the blue dress is stunning against Meghan's complexion. Love the pony, and definitely a sensible style to stay cool. The Tonga part of the trip seems more relaxed. The atmosphere in Fiji seemed quite frenetic with excitement. There also was really no walk-about in Fiji. I wonder if they avoided that because there is an election soon, and some opposition members didn't really want the royals there at this time, thinking it would give the ruling party an advantage to be seen with the popular royals. I note that in Tonga, the princess always seemed to walk behind Harry and Meghan, and to sit off to the side, and again a little behind. I wonder what the protocol is.

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    1. Cathy from Kansas26 October 2018 at 10:50

      Do you think the atmosphere you described in Fiji ... and the upcoming election was part of why Meghan's walk-thru at the marketplace was actually cut short that day. Maybe the security team knew something the press didn't know. Or maybe it really was just the larger than anticipated crowds ... very excited but large and harder to control.

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  37. Nicole from France26 October 2018 at 08:13

    Well ... really’ the first time since I follow Meghan that I cannot say - ok I do not really like it but it’ looks good ... that striped dress is ... terrible !seems like a huge maelström of stripes , and sorry , but I cannot get over the feeling it gives me : prisoners wearing stripes costume .... I’ll just forget about it , as the blue dress is wonderful ! Again, such a beautifull material for a clever design ! And the poney tail allows to see the delicate and classical shape of her face , while she does not’ have to worry about the effects of humidity on her hair ! I can’t imagine how tiring it must be to meet such a lot of’ different people , listen to speeches, music, smile to entertainments , look interested while you just long for ten minute sof silence in a deserted place ...... I have always thought beeing a royal is’ not always a treat , and I have a great admiration for them both , seeing how they do the job so enthusiastically !

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  38. Colours are great for her (pumps!), but not the print - for me it resembles a pyjama...

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  39. The blue one - perfect! And pony tail.

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  40. Susan @ 3:47. I enjoyed the dances too when my husband and I visited Hawaii. Yes indeed, thank you Charlotte for posting that video. 💃🏽

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  41. The Duchess looks lovely in both outfits. Just love her hair pulled back like that. Harry never stops smiling, he is the MAN, just love him!

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  42. not fan of this dress but of course she is pretty, hair, makeup, impeccable. Really Tonga people are welcoming

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  43. That olive & white striped dress is a knockout. She looks so polished & at ease in it. Love love love.

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