The Sussexes' First Family Holiday & Latest News Updates!

Good evening!

The royals have dispersed from London for summer break, enjoying holidays abroad and time relaxing in Scotland. According to several local reports from Spanish media, Harry and Meghan took Archie to Ibiza for his first overseas trip from the 6th to the 11th of August. Spanish newspaper El País reported the family stayed in a private villa before travelling by private jet back to the UK. The trip, which began just two days after Meghan's 38th birthday, was likely planned to celebrate the occasion and was a nice opportunity to enjoy their first family holiday before their first tour as a family next month.

The Sussexes reportedly enjoyed gorgeous weather on the Spanish island in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain. There were no social media sightings or images taken of the trio from what I've heard, so I expect they enjoyed quiet evenings in, good food and wine (Meghan's favourite Tignanello), walks on the beach, and plenty of playtime with Archie whilst soaking up the stunning scenery...

A view of the old town from the port.

Meghan previously visited Ibiza four years ago with close friends Misha Nonoo, Benita Litt and Heather Dorak.

Meghan shared this post on Instagram with the caption, "We love you Ibiza".

The trip came during several weeks of travelling Meghan did in August 2016, just weeks after she and Harry starting dating. In a piece for the Tig, Meghan reflected on her travels and having the luxury of time to celebrate:

'Inspired by one of my favorite books by Elizabeth Gilbert, I decided to spend the month of August (with my hiatus from filming) to “Eat, Pray, Love.” Or, in my humble interpretation: eat everything, pray (and meditate) often, and simply love my life, every ounce of it.

With the support of some trusted friends who met me along the way for my various adventures, what I discovered was that with the incredible luxury of time, I was able to celebrate my life. And I say that because I don’t think you need money to do this. It wasn’t long ago (cough – about ten years ago – cough) that I only had $40 in my bank account, that I could barely book an audition, and that my circle of friends was even smaller. But even then, without all the pomp and circumstance, I made time to celebrate my life. Maybe it was a pizza and bottle of two buck chuck from Trader Joe’s with a couple girlfriends, tucked in for the night sitting on my living room floor. Or maybe it was a dance party in my tiny apartment or a sobbing session to purge all of those feels with my nearest and dearest.

This is all part of the eat, pray, love journey. Being present. Being vulnerable. The act of celebrating and really truly enjoying your life. And while the locales of my recent getaway were more extravagant than ever before, I feel certain that the same moments of “ah-hah,” the same self-hugs and acts of appreciation, could have been done in the cozy quiet of my home. And that, right there, is the point. To find your own eat, pray, love this week. To snuggle up and relish what you’ve got.'

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Meanwhile, there have been several updates on the couple's Sussex Royal Instagram account. They shared an iconic quote: "Words have the power to inspire, which is why we’re happy to share some of our favourite quotes. From members of the public to public figures, from teachers and students to young leaders, we begin with a quote from Diana, Princess of Wales."

In addition to celebrating World Lion Day, they marked International Youth Day by highlighting inspirational young leaders. "As President and Vice-President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust (QCT) – an initiative that champions, funds and connects Commonwealth youth leaders working to change the world - the Duke and Duchess hope to shine a light on a few of these change making young leaders of the QCT, who are doing amazing things - not because they have to, but because they want to - a choice we all have in life."

To celebrate World Elephant Day, the couple shared excellent news: "We are pleased to announce that since we followed our friends at Elephants Without Borders (EWB) on Instagram in July, when we were celebrating the environment, you and our friend Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres' Foundation) have spread the word and EWB have been able to help protect 25 elephants by fitting them with satellite navigation collars! These collars allow the team at EWB to track the elephants, as well as to learn their essential migratory patterns to keep their corridors safe and open so future generations of elephants can roam freely. In honour of this amazing support, EWB have named their most recently collared Elephant...ELLEN! We can’t wait to see where she will go! Two years ago on World Elephant Day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined Dr Chase to help in this conservation effort." Unseen photos from Harry and Meghan's 2017 trip were included in the post.

In the above photo, Meghan is wearing her Catbird rings, Kismet Hamsa ring and, as correctly noted by Susan at What Meghan Wore, an "Elephant Hair" silver wire bracelet. Susan shared fascinating background information from Matt Buvkinghausen jewellery:

'The Elephant Hair Bracelet is perhaps one of the most recognized pieces of symbolic jewelry of its kind.

Tribal Legend over 2000 years old states that the soul of the elephant passes through the tail when he dies. The sacred strands of hair from his tail are then woven and knotted in a symbolic manner to form a bracelet which evokes the power to protect its wearer with the elephants strength, wisdom, and spirit.

Worn on the left wrist brings luck in the hunt or quest.  Worn on the right wrist brings success in exploits of love. The four knots represent earth, sun, moon, and stars. Opening and closing the bracelet each time its worn passes the knots over the strands which symbolize the changing seasons creating harmony and balance between earth and it's people.

With the decline in the population of the African Elephant, we have chosen not to add to the shortage by using elephant hair, but rather offer a more attractive and longer lasting piece of jewelry, still representative of the old Africa.'

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In a fashion update, the talented Elizabeth from Meghan's Fashion notes the £55 Marks & Spencer Off The Shoulder bodycon midi dress Meghan wore for the Festival of Remembrance is back in stock in black.

It now comes in a new camel colour which would be a fabulous choice for Meghan for daytime engagements. Marks & Spencer is one of several British retailers Meghan is teaming up with for Smart Works.

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I expect a trip to Balmoral to spend time with Her Majesty, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal family is next on the agenda. With Harry confirmed to attend the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final in his role as patron on Saturday, 24th, the coming weekend seems likely for a few days in the Highlands. If they are there on Sunday, we should see photos of them arriving at church.

A number of you have been in touch regarding the itinerary for the couple's tour next month. It's understood it will kick off in mid September, meaning we should see the full itinerary in a fortnight or so; of course, it's possible we'll get information on the dates sooner. Royal reporter Omid Scobie says the tour will last around eleven days and we'll see Meghan take on her own solo engagements in South Africa, most likely while Harry visits Malawi, Botswana and Angola. The schedule is said to cover a number of areas including education, young people, conservation and women's empowerment. Before that, Harry and Meghan's royal foundation is expected to be launched with an environmental and community-based project led by Harry. Meghan's clothing collection in support of patronage Smart Works is also expected to launch next month.