Tuesday 23 October 2018

Harry and Meghan Say Goodbye to Fraser Island

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked relaxed as they left Fraser Island following an overnight stay at a private property on the Kingfisher Bay Resort.


A video from The Morning Show.


Meghan was given flowers.


Harry and Meghan waved to well-wishers as they made their way to the boat.


Emily Andrews reports: "Meghan and Harry make front pages of the local papers here in Queensland but there’s a serious point. Locals delighted they’re shining a world spotlight on the Fraser Island area as it will promote tourism and environmental issues."


The couple are travelling with the royal press pack for the next few days.


Reporters enjoying a glass of 'Qantas Sparkle', which was launched to celebrate the royal wedding.


Meghan was casually dressed in a white shirt and black jeans for the flight. Food Fash Fit identified Meghan's sandals as the Aquazzura DJ Mules.


Meghan accessorised with her Adina Reyter and Pascale Monvoisin necklaces from yesterday.


We can expect a fantastic day ahead in Fiji. "On arrival, Harry and Meghan will be greeted by a Guard of Honour at the airport, before calling on His Excellency The President of Fiji at Borron House. The Duke and Duchess will then attend an official welcome ceremony in the city centre's Albert Park. The ceremony, known as the Veirqaraqaravi Vakavanua, embodies Fijian cultural identity and heritage, and will mirror in format that of the one attended by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1953. It will involve a number of traditional elements of Fijian culture, including dance performances, the presentation of the Tabua, and a Kava ceremony. Members of the public from across Suva will be invited to attend. From there, The Duke and Duchess will leave Albert Park for the Grand Pacific Hotel to attend a Reception and a State Dinner hosted by The President of Fiji, at which The Duke will speak."


The State Dinner will see the Duchess in a gown for the first time since her wedding day. The dress code for the event is black tie/formal. We won't see a tiara, however it's possible Meghan will add sparkling jewellery to her look. Do you have any fashion predictions?


There's been a number of excellent articles written about the first week of the tour. In a piece for The Sunday Times Roya Nikkhah wrote:

'A triumphant tour of Australia by the prince and his newly pregnant wife ensures he will be central to his father’s vision for the Windsors’ future.
The rapturous reception accorded the Duke of Sussex and his pregnant duchess in Australia has confirmed that even the most trenchant of monarchy-mockers can be vulnerable to a royal baby bump, especially when it is sported by a mother-to-be as cheerfully photogenic as the former Meghan Markle. “That noise in the background is the gnashing of republican teeth,” noted Jamie Walker in The Australian newspaper.
It is 35 years since a visit by Diana, the Princess of Wales, induced an Oz outbreak of “Di-mania” and four years since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge turned up with Prince George, earning their child the nickname “republican-slayer” for the pro-monarchist sentiment that he helped to revive. Now it is Harry’s turn to sprinkle a little Windsor magic on a country that still boasts a strong republican streak but has once again “gone a bit gaga” for the royals, as one local reporter put it.
It was not just the headlines such as “Sydney goes crazy for Down Under Duchess” or the teenage boy who shook hands with both Harry and Meghan, then burst into tears. “They were so beautiful,” declared James Campton, 16, who had played truant from school to see the couple at the Sydney Opera House. “She said, ‘What’s your name?’ . . . and I just cried in front of her. I met Harry and Meghan. It’s absolutely awesome.”
Even Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of New South Wales, who declared last year that “Australia should have an Australian head of state”, swiftly succumbed to the Sussex charm offensive. “My impression of them is of an amazing couple who demonstrate a deep compassion for fellow human beings and causes they believe in and they’re people of substance,” Berejiklian gushed. “I hope they regard Australia as a safe place for them, somewhere where they are loved and adored.”
All of which helps to explain why the Sussexes, however distant from the throne, will remain central to Charles’s vision of a modern royal family. “With his brother William, Harry has been an integral part of refreshing and modernising the [royal] brand,” my source said. “Even though he is not in the direct line to the throne, Charles sees Harry and his family as an essential part of that core monarchy. You’d be crazy to sideline them and the Prince of Wales can see the impact they are having on this tour in [an Australian] realm with which we have a tricky relationship.”

The Standard published a touching piece; Prince Harry has spent much of his life alone in a crowd — now there is a face looking back at him with love:

'Harry was towards the front of the stage in jeans and a shirt, microphone in hand, pose casual. In the background, there arose the curvilinear glass and masonry — towers? pods? — of the Sydney Opera House. And between him and the great broad flight of stairs up to the building were rows and rows and rows of white folding chairs — hundreds and hundreds of them, all but a single one of them empty.
Later that day he would make his speech to the assembled dignitaries, the veterans and sportsmen, the press and the public. But today he had an audience of one — or, as we now know, two: sitting on a chair in the front row, watching him intently, was the prince’s wife, Meghan. 
The scene was — forgive me for my choice of words — pregnant. Here was the conductor in an empty orchestra, rolling his baton between his fingers; or, if you like, Rocky Balboa in the echoing hall the night before he fights Apollo Creed. It was at once touching and a little melancholy: the emptiness of the venue gave a stronger sense than any crowd does of the vast ceremonial spaces in which these people, a young man and his new wife, live their strange lives.
And a sense of how far he’s come — from the little boy plodding along behind his mother’s coffin, the flashbulb-stunned tumbler-out-of-nightclubs, from naughty Harry, dirty Harry, Harry the lad, lost Harry … This Harry has been to war, got himself a wife and is now on the brink of fatherhood. “This new and gorgeous garment, Majesty, sits not so easy on me as you think,” says his namesake in Henry IV, Part Two. But the new and gorgeous garment here is adulthood.
Imagine the lifetime passed being looked at, imagine the endless sea of strangers’ faces, turned towards you, that will accompany you almost everywhere you go. Talk about being alone in a crowd. And imagine too what, in that lifelong stadium of empty chairs, it would mean to have one face, one particular face, that looks to you from the crowd each time and knows you for yourself. 
 I think he’s going to be absolutely OK, that boy.'

We'll be back covering the Fiji arrival shortly.

41 comments:

  1. I absolutely can't wait to see what the DOS evening gown looks like. I bet she'll dazzle us all.

    Ella

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  2. Hmm I hope we can see. The duchess in formal attire And are we Going to see tiara Reception

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  3. OK, what the heck is up with that airplane! It looks like it's unzipped! LOL

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    1. Lol, I thought the same thing!

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    2. Oh my, maybe a shark. Only comment is I do not like her shoes. Her jeans and shirt are a pair of jeans and a plain shirt:):).

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  4. If Meghan is going to bring some bling - and I hope she does except a bit of HM's jewelry from the vault - I would like it to be Queen Mary's diamond bangles and Queen Mary's floret earrings. Meg....I know you can rock those! Please.

    Or the Cartier bracelets would be lovely as well. :-) Maybe it'll only be Diana's aquamarine ring - and that's ok.

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  5. I'm going on a limb and predicting the gown will have two colors, although they could be black and white. :)

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  6. My fashion prediction: black

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    1. I really want her to wear a colorful gown but I think you might be right.

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    2. I'm going to predict a shade of blue, whether it be light, royal blue or navy

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    3. You called it right, Chrystal. Good for you!

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  7. Just read your posts from Roya Nikkhah and the Standard, and they are wonderful! Made me a little emotional.

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    1. Thank you for posting those lovely reports. I’m in Toronto so it’s great to read the British Royal journalists take on the tour. I also appreciate your efforts to post video clips.You are my first stop for tour coverage because your site has such great details and often the first photos too. I generally don’t follow the comments since people are so divided about Meghan’s fashion choices but I do enjoy your fair and even handed approach. Well done!

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  8. I wonder if she still has that beautiful blue and white strapless gown she wore for a photo shoot while still in Toronto. I would like to see that with her wedding diamond bracelet and then reception diamond earrings.

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  9. Thank you for sharing the Standard piece, so true, and indeed touching. I haven't any fashion predictions, whatever Meghan will wear, she will dazzle.
    (oh the airplane with teeth ? that is hilarious)

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  10. I was going to comment on Meghan looking like most of us while traveling. Just one of the ladies waiting for her flight. However, The Standard article was so right on. I hope everyone takes the time to read and think about the message. It just touches ones heart.

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  11. What wonderful articles of carefully observant and well written analysis, so interesting, no stopping of reading them.

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  12. Charlotte, thanks for your hardworking and coverage of the tour. I can't resist coming to your blog because I know I will find gems of information that I will not find anywhere else. I also appreciate your factual coverage of the fashion and I know it is something that people like to comment about. However, looking at the causes this couple is supporting and the reactions they get from the public I always find myself disappointed that we the "key-board" audience focus too much on passing judgement on the fashion choices (especially the ladies). All comments from the public have been how lovely and warm and kind this couple is and not once have I seen someone quoted saying "It was nice of them to come but I think she wears far too many dark colours or her clothes were not appropriate to greet me." We judge ourselves and other ladies too harshly. It is also very telling that Kensington Palace would post a shot showing the slit on their page (a rather discreet message to the protocol police).

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    1. The excerpt from the Standard made we weep and I'm finding it hard to stop. Deeply touching a wound in my soul. My wish for all of us is this: That if we have not already done so, we each might find our own "Meghan" before our days on earth end. That "one face, one particular face, that looks to you from the crowd each time and knows you for yourself." Yes. And adores you (sometimes anyway).

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    2. Anon. This is a fashion blog, not a newspaper with a slanted political agenda!

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    3. Anonymous 3:05 don't be disappointed. The comments about Meghan's clothes are not made with malice. At least not on this blog. It's just fun to see what she's wearing and to comment on it. For me, it's even more fun to read other people's comments which sometimes make a very good point on how something could be styled differently, better, etc. On at least 2 occasions so far on this tour I have gone immediately to a link on an outfit to purchase it. The maroon dress was sold out but success with the Club Monaco black dress with gold buttons!

      My point is that we all have different reasons for reading a blog like this. It may be shallow of me to admit this but I am here for the fashion. Most times I skim through and get right to the clothes and then the comments because I have limited time. Today, however, I did take the time to read the articles and it was time well spent. Thank you for including them, Charlotte.

      I will repeat a comment I made yesterday in response to someone who said that they felt all of the criticism of Meghan's clothing made her wonder if it was really the clothes or something else at work. It's just clothes. It's OK to critique her choices. We are just experiencing the vicarious thrill of a royal tour for a few brief moments in our own busy lives.

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    4. Loved your comment {Anonymous at 3.05}. Spot on. I feel the same. All quoted have been so excited to meet them, and as you said, no one has commented on what they were wearing. Words that I have heard are genuine, caring, lovely. Nothing about the clothes they are wearing.

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    5. Agreed BethNY.

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    6. The clothes are part of the job and bring attention to what she’s doing. It’s okay to look at them and have respectful opinions. I also love to read about what they are doing. The truth is though, if she wore the same thing to every occasion, I would pay less attention. I really like BethNYs comment and Anon 3:05, I hear you. A recxomemdation I would make is of you want to see comments on here about what they are doing instead of clothes, start posting those kind of comments. Everything is welcome and appreciated.

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  13. Wow! The piece in the Standard is really touching. Harry has come such a long way since he was that grieving little boy and that angry young man to the great husband and leader he seems to be today. It’s truly inspiring.

    I remember an interview where he was talking about needing someone who was willing not just to be his wife but to “take on the job.” And he has found someone who is more than up to the task! Meghan seems like a great fit for him in every way - and they are clearly nuts about each other.

    Both William and Harry have found partners that seem to really complement them and bring a lot to their royal roles. I think Diana deserves a lot of the credit for helping them see they can carve out their own life within the royal establishment. The boys and the women they’ve chosen are a real testament to her.

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  14. Charlotte, I read and enjoyed both newspaper articles. Both writers really were good with words and phrasing. Thank you for posting them.

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  15. Anon 03:05

    " I can't resist coming to your blog because I know I will find gems of information that I will not find anywhere else." You expressed the truth very nicely.

    A typical example right this moment is the two articles posted on this same blog; 'Qantas Sparkle' ( interesting!); a collection of magazine front pages; Charlotte's own posts which has basis on current news and history, her occasional commentary, identifying styles, and its inclusiveness of articles from reputable journals, and on and on.

    For what the blog offers, I do agree with 03:05 even this admirable community who is capable of discussing various topics ends up with just comments on the style part only half of the time. A good reminder to commenters now and then to look at the bigger picture is appropriate.

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  16. Thank you, Charlotte, for posting the newspaper articles. It warms my heart that everyone is falling for Harry and Meghan. They are a beautiful and formidable pair.

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  17. Charlotte; Can you explain why Meghan won’t wear a tiara to the state dinner? I thought a state dinner was a huge event where tiaras are considered acceptable to wear? Thanks

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    1. Hello Jax, Tiaras are worn at white-tie events, tonight's dinner is black tie. I imagine it will be less formal than UK State Banquet's.

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    2. Thank you so much for explaining. You’re doing an amazing job as always and I love following both your blogs.

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    3. Thank you so much Jax :)

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  18. I am so enjoying watching the reaction from the Aussies and learning about the causes they are supporting. As far as fashion, I’m more curious what she will wear to the cava ceremony. For the evening, I bet she’ll wear something like this.
    https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/givenchy-sleeveless-mock-neck-double-layer-mixed-lace-evening-gown-prod203450228?ecid=NMCS__GooglePLA&utm_source=google_shopping&adpos=1o1&scid=scplpsku173730561&sc_intid=sku173730561&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5m3_tmb3gIViovICh2suAO6EAQYASABEgJpU_D_BwE

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    1. Katie, I really hope that this Givenchy gown is not her choice. Imagine the outrage if Meghan were to show up in Fiji wearing a simple lace gown that costs over $12,000!!

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  19. Charlotte, the caption for the photo with president of Fiji stated “They discussed plans for their trip in the region with the PM and his wife.”, shouldn’t that be President not PM? :-)


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  20. I loved this post!! The articles/quotes you included from the journalists were so great. Beautiful writing and insightful. Charlotte, thank you so much for including them! Every photo you included also helped to tell the story of that part of their day. I just can't enjoy these posts and the tour more. AnneHH

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  21. Charlotte, can you get a photo of the luggage? Or video?

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  22. Love the piece from the Standard. I totally agree. I will venture to say that those of us who are avid royalwatchers, have wanted this for Harry, especially in light of his brother's growing family and the love he has for children.Yes, he was alone on all those tours before this but he was always loved. Now he has a special person, his wife and soon a baby to share that love. Rw.

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  23. anon 3:05-re KP approval. I have noticed that KP is either praised or blamed for their PR coverage of H&M , depending on whether it forms a basis for praise or criticism of the couple. The mention of Meghan's pregnancy associated with a mention of Eugenie's wedding was strongly criticized, with KP being accused of mis-handling in some forums, resulting in criticism of the couple. Now, a photo of Meghan at a day engagement in a dress with a high split is presented and considered approval of her outfit. I assume the same KP that published the one story was responsible for the other. Considering the polarized state of media and social communication- with the press and others emphasizing what must be a made-up competition between Charles's two daughters-in-law, I would say the KP staff has its job cut out for them.
    I would suggest that someone should hire more help for the weekend and after-hours KP staff. KP has not been the only PR crew left holding the bag. BP protocol generally dictates the avoidance of announcing anything during the hours the Queen sleeps, including births of heirs. The fumbling of the "emergency meeting" report is an example. A preliminary statement that there would be an announcement was put out hours ahead, with details to follow after 8 AM. The speculation zoomed out of control with some nearly having Prince Phillip on his death bed.

    KP staff have to follow the lead of the respective private secretaries as well as other direct influences. I doubt the staff itself has much to say over what gets published.

    Harry and his wife have had tremendous support from the decision-makers at KP this past year. I would have to agree that if that photo was published it was likely meant as a statement of approval. (Or an off-hours understaffing. ;)

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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 :)