Following the arrival, the couple separated with Meghan travelling on a whale watching boat to Fraser Island.
Harry is undertaking most of today's engagements solo. News.com reports: "A spokesperson has confirmed to news.com.au they’re “working towards” a public appearance on the island today - most likely at Kingfisher Bay Jetty for the scheduled meet-and-greet with the public later this afternoon." I do expect we'll see the Duchess this afternoon. The news follows yesterday's announcement confirming Meghan would be "pacing herself" due to the exhausting tour schedule. Due to the terrain on the Island, choosing today for a brief rest seems very wise. Hannah Furness notes: "Having done the Fraser Island tour a decade ago, can confirm is can be a very bumpy ride. Recall my head hitting the roof of our car at one point."
News.com reports:
'While the Prince has spent most of his time in Australia speeding around Sydney in a motorcade of slick vehicles, today’s transport will be a little different. If morning sickness isn’t a problem for mum-to-be Meghan, motion sickness would’ve been, should she have followed through with today’s events.Blue skies and light clouds are covering the island. It’s only 23C but the humidity makes the environment seem hotter than it is.
Fraser Island isn’t the kind of luxurious paradise you might find further north in the Whitsundays. It has 206,000 acres of protected rainforest. Mosquitos and sandflies are also out in force on the island and are visibly buzzing in the air as soon as you get off the barge.'
Meghan waved to well-wishers.
There's almost two hours of footage covering Harry and Meghan's arrival below from 7 News Sydney.
We've talked about the couple retracing Her Majesty's footsteps in Dubbo. It was wonderful to see the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony held exactly 45 years after the Queen opened the venue. I enjoyed this video with excellent footage from the Queen's first visit to Queensland 64 years ago.
Fraser Island lies just off the east coast of Australia. At 122 km long, it is the largest sand island in the world.
Majestic remnants of tall rainforest growing on sand and half the world’s perched freshwater dune lakes are found inland from the beach. The combination of shifting sand-dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes makes it an exceptional site.
Fraser Island's hardwood trees were used to build the London docks in the 1930s due to their famed toughness.
The Butchulla people are the indigenous people of Fraser Island. The Butchulla people's traditional name for Fraser Island was K'gari which means paradise. According to Butchulla legend, Fraser Island was named K'gari after the beautiful spirit who helped Yindingie, messenger of the great god Beeral, create the land. As a reward to K'gari for her help Beeral changed her into an idyllic island with trees, flowers and lakes. He put birds, animals and people on the island to keep her company. Captain Cook first sighted the Fraser Island Butchulla people during 1770 and named Indian Head on the eastern beach after them. Colonization by Europeans caused great conflicts with the Aboriginal people as the European settlers did not understand or respect their tribal boundaries, their social structure or the importance to them of their environment. In 2014 an Australian Federal Court granted Native title rights to Fraser Island to the Butchulla people.
Meghan learned more about Cook's expedition during her first solo engagement at the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition 'Oceania'.
For his first engagement of the day, Harry was greeted with a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony.
At McKenzies Jetty The Duke of Sussex met Rangers to learn more about the work involved in the preservation of Fraser Island.
The visit was part of the dedication of the site to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. The QCC is an initiative begun in 2015 as a network of forest conservation programmes throughout the 53 countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. The QCC presents a rare opportunity to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests. By creating a pan-Commonwealth network of forest conservation projects, the QCC will mark Her Majesty The Queen’s service to the Commonwealth while conserving indigenous forests for future generations.
The initiative means a great deal to Her Majesty.
Harry with a group of talented Butchulla dancers. This photo beautifully sums up how fantastic Harry is with people.
Harry met members of the First Australian community.
During a speech Harry said: "It is up to us now to protect this paradise together – not just because it looks beautiful - but because it is an essential part of our existence, and will continue to be for our children and their children's children."
As Harry prepared to start his speech, a woman in the crowd called out "He's better looking in person!" Harry smiled and said, "I'll take that as a compliment, thank you." Rebecca English posted a photo of the lady noting "She was such a character".
Harry posed for photos before departing.
The Duchess looked effortlessly stylish in the $129 Red Waist Knot Midi Dress by & Other Stories (with thanks to the Lady's Maid).
The button up 100% viscose dress features a pointed collar, cinched waistline and a waist tie. It appears the piece has been sold out for some time. I know many of you have been looking forward to seeing a splash of colour in Meghan's tour wardrobe. This was a lovely choice for the arrival. It very much feels like a glimpse into Meghan's "personal wardrobe".
7 News reports: “A lot of people are applauding her use of the colour maroon, maybe it’s her nod to Queensland.” The Queensland rugby league team represents the Australian state of Queensland in rugby league football. Nicknamed the "Maroons", after the colour of their jersey.
Meghan wore her Sarah Flint Grear sandals.
Susan from What Meghan Wore identified Meghan's new sunglasses as the Northern Lights style by New Zealand based designer Karen Walker. They are available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
We expect to see Meghan again shortly.
Are you going to take a cue from.meghan and have a rest day too, charlotte?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely hoping to catch up on sleep :)
DeleteI hope you do get some much needed rest, Charlotte. You’re a trooper!
DeleteGood job bluhare! - To be honest, I had been thinking of that too. The Charlotte home clock had joined the marathon. All should be patient if comments are posted delayed although that had not been the case.
DeleteCharlotte,
You can use some quiet sleep and rest. Please thank Mr. Charlotte for sharing your precious time with your readers and commenters, presenting highly competent, professional, well researched, informative, balanced posts which are communicated with patience. There is also lot of screening of some bad posts behind the scene. Your is a commitment done from genuine passion and a labor of love.
Take good care dear.
PS: The other day the younger members of my family were asking me why I like your blog. I told them a similar explanation plus the quality of the community you had managed to gain their loyalty complements the blog. I told them it is as much my form of entertainment, hobby and a source of information.
Bluhare - very good point!! Please, Charlotte, some rest for you, too!! Your coverage is EXCEPTIONAL!!! Just like the beauty of Frazer Island! :-)))
DeleteWell said, Anon15!
DeletePlease make sure you get enough sleep, Charlotte!
Although I love getting each day's new post first thing in the morning, I'd hate the idea of you sleep-deprived and exhausted!
Your posts are the best and I echo what Anon15 says: "it's my form of entertainment, hobby and a source of information" - they are a pleasure to read!!! Thank you! 😃
Meghan is twins with Kate - wonder if they planned it. :-)
ReplyDeleteHa! They are twins - burgundy polka dot midi dresses :)
DeleteI really like the dress!
ReplyDeletepolka dots, it's not black or navy! Wish we could see it better!
ReplyDeleteAlthough a distant view, Meghan's dress and pony tail make her look as cute as a daisy! Read that she changed from flats to her wedges for actual arrival. It is so interesting that the photo op is always key to the engagements. Both shoe choices I'm sure would have been perfect. I am assuming the flats that have been referenced are her go to Black Rothy's as seen on Day 1. They are getting as much of a work out as her go to trench coat. Good for her, this girl knows how to pack.
ReplyDeleteNo it looks like she wore her old Sarah Flint sandals the whole way from the plane to the boat. It must be her go-to sandals cause I've seen her wear that many times before. And she does look cute as a daisy! 😊
DeletePS. Harry is such a typical guy. He is always in the comfort zone in dressing and looking casual smart as well
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the dress. Wow Charlotte, that update on the dress was quick. Impressive but not unusual for you. Thanks. 👏🏽👏🏽
ReplyDeleteSo glad she’s mixing in some moderately priced clothing. AND....it’s sold out already. Super cute.
ReplyDeleteI like this dress better than most of her tour wardrobe so far. I hope she gets some rest today.
ReplyDeleteIt is a NEW DAY!! / times?. No memory of her in brighter shades of color ever since her engagement announcement. This is a surprise change, and nice to see her in burgundy. By the way, their image in military uniform and MM in that black dress / something about it all was like a turning point next to the wedding. They looked like a solidly married couple especially to see DOS join in PH's big part of his career and what used to be his work life.
ReplyDeleteI knew we'd see some color eventually! Love the polka dot print -- she looks super fun and flirty. She also looks like she's feeling more rested.
ReplyDeleteOh now that's more like it! Colour: tick! Style: tick! Pattern: tick! Price: tick! Please please please banish the black!
ReplyDeleteWhat a breath of fresh air to see her in color! Very cute and casual. She probably won't wear it for a public engagement though.
ReplyDeleteOmg what a cute dress and sandals! It's very casual yet looks elegant. And some extra sleep has done wonders for her -- she looks more energetic than she did at the opening ceremony. Also very clever for her to have a dress that ties at the front and thus can be adjusted for her changing body. This might be my favorite look of the tour so far.
ReplyDeleteShe looks amazing in this dress! I hope she wears it if she joins Harry for the walkabout. Apparently, maroon is Queensland's colour so that's a nice nod to them. And the brand &otherstories is one of the few highstreet brands that uses transgender models in their ad campaigns. Also, I didn't know that green is Australia's national colour. Now it makes sense why she wore that green dress during the reception on their first day. She is making excellent choices with her wardrobe in this tour. Despite ppls complain of the lack of bright colours, her messages with the brands she is using is so much more powerful and interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Jmae, our national colours are Green and Gold (yellow) as depicted in our uniforms for the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. I thought it was so touching that Meghan wore Green for the reception at Admiralty House, just like Kate wore Yellow (Gold) for the welcoming engagement at the Opera House. I loved that she also wore Maroon today, which is Queensland’s State colour. She looks refreshingly gorgeous, and her hair is so cute! The islands in Queensland are a lovely spot to relax for the day. I’m so thankful she’s taking it a bit easier. I remember vividly the 16 week mark (ish). Tiredness can be overwhelming, even though you still want to do everything. She’s been such a trooper. And, now I have handbag, shoes and sunglasses envy ❣️ 😍😍
DeleteDee Thank you for the information about the colors:):)
DeleteLove this outfit! Love the colour, love the tan sandals, the hair in a pony tail. She looks so relaxed and I think she's popped a tiny bit! YAY! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
ReplyDeleteIn addition to bag envy of all of Meghan's handbags, clutches, etc. now I have sunglasses envy--have loved every pair she's worn on this tour! This dress is so darling. Hope she gets some rest. I know there are pregnant women who are on their feet all day working & without the resources Meghan has but that's not to say Meghan shouldn't put herself/baby first.
ReplyDeleteSweet! I'm ok with the choices of stylish black/navy outfits for the special engagements. As she's mostly going to hang around today, why not something perky and casual! Love the nod to the state colour.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, this website is my sole source for Meghan/Kate information. I don’t go to other sources (god forbid the Daily Mail!) so I really appreciate your timely reporting. I love you, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteBeth in SF
Beth, your comment is so touching. You and many others have so kindly taken the time to leave such warm and supportive comments over the past week. I appreciate each one more than you know. Thank you so much for reading and for following the first of many Sussex tours :)
DeleteSame for me, here in France we do not get much informations about the tour (and I do not buy magazines’ such as Hello or others) so I rely on you and your blogs, Charlotte , and I have noticed some of my friends now ask me things just as if I was a royal correspondant ! Ahahahaha I hope you get enough sleep anyway !
DeleteIndeed, Charlotte...Thank you so much for your commitment and timely, detailed posts. I appreciate so much that you are giving also history of places and community. In Oz, these are such ancient, diverse and precious "treasures"!
ReplyDeleteBack to our lovely Meghan... This burgundy (or maroon) dress is great and she looks fab with this color, too. It is indeed the color of QLD rugby team and also "Brisbane Broncos", so I agree that she might have chosen it to honour QLD.
This tour might be tiring for her, but they are doing great and Harry is so lovely and supportive!
Charlotte thank you.now...have a rest..! :) :)
Fantastic nod to the state color by the Duchess. I agree, the Duke of Sussex is so engaging and easy going with people. Thank you, Charlotte for the interesting info on Fraser Island.
ReplyDeleteMorning. Hated being MIA this weekend, but what a great time for me to come back and catch up. Meghan looks so good and fresh and relaxed. I feel like this is a dress she would have worn pre Royals. Rest does wonders for the body and mind. And for all those who questioned why they announced last week, she is def showing more and more and looks so happy. I don't mind black or blue so as long as she throws some color our way every now and then. Until Next Time
ReplyDeleteCute dress! I'm a sucker for anything polka dots! I feel like I can actually see a bit more of a baby bump in this dress too, although it might just be the style.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I really appreciate you keeping us up to date on Harry's engagements even without Meghan, I'm finding it really interesting! I hope you have had a chance to catch up on some rest too!
Like the polka dot dress as it’s a change from her standard solid navy/black. I’m not too keen on the stripe sundress though. I just think it’s too casual for a royal engagement. The fabric is almost see through and the slit is too high. It should be modified to make it more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress! This is far and away my favorite of what she has worn thus far on the tour.
ReplyDeleteI agree. What a pretty dress! I wish she had kept it on for the walkabout later on as well.
DeleteBeautiful from head to toe. One of my favorite dresses. So sad that it was not possible to visit Fraser Island like Harry but it was for the sake of the baby and the mother so next time
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has been hoping for some color and variety in Meghan’s wardrobe, I am loving this dress! The color and style look fabulous on her!
ReplyDeleteLisa NJ
Completely agree...it hugs her body well and there is a little bump for all to see
DeleteI was having issues commenting , so forgive any repeats !
ReplyDeleteI was having issues commenting , so forgive any repeats ! I was thanking Charlotte and , as Anon 2:50 said , Mr Charlotteas well. fI appreciate her educating us every time there is a post. I’m was also urging Charlotte to take a rest if she needs to. We will all be here whenever she posts. We have a wonderful online community here. I wish we could send a small gift of appreciation 🌹
ReplyDeleteAt what time do you think Meghan has to get up in the morning during this tour? I'm tired just thinking about that!
ReplyDelete