"It's Wonderful to Be Back": The Sussexes Kick Off New York Visit

New York, New York... The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began the first of several days in the Big Apple with a visit to One World Observatory with Mayor Bill de Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, and Governor Kathy Hochul.

The visit marks the couple's first official in-person engagement since Lilibet was born in June. In fact, in terms of a live media event, I believe it's been eighteen months since their last -- the Commonwealth service in London during their March 2020 return to the UK. It had been reported both Harry and Meghan were incredibly eager to begin resuming appearances and meeting people on the ground in the US once pandemic restrictions permitted a return to normality. News of the couple's travel plans was shared earlier this week -- with word the Sussexes will join a host of well-known faces in Central Park on Saturday for Global Citizen's Live where they will continue their efforts in the fight for vaccine equity.

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The couple arrived shortly after 8 am. The Telegraph reports:

'They held hands as they walked around to the front of the building. Harry waved at a group of young women who screamed at him and shouted: "Harry!"

Earlier in the morning around 40 journalists and cameramen from major TV networks including NBC and ABC lined up at 6.45am to see the event.

One cameraman joked that when Meghan saw him she would "ditch Harry and go off with me - sorry buddy, it’s over!"

A young female TV reporter said she took the assignment because she "wanted to be in the presence of royalty".

A woman in her 20s, who declined to give her name, said she got up early to see Harry and Meghan. She said: ‘I think it’s great. I’m a big fan, I went to their wedding in Windsor. They’re doing great things, everything that’s said about them is all misconstrued’.

The Duke and Duchess were warmly welcomed by Governor Hochul, Mayor de Blasio, and his wife Chirlane and son Dante. I was interested to read Hochul is the first female Governor of New York. Among her achievements, she's a founder of Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence, and co-founder of the Village Action Coalition.

Meghan and Gov Hochul.

When asked about returning to New York, Meghan replied, "It's wonderful to be back, thank you."

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Harry later described the visit as "fantastic".

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A video from the visit.

The One World Observatory is located on floors 100-102 of the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, and is the focal point of the lower Manhattan skyline.

One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center. It is the tallest building not only in the United States, but in the Western Hemisphere. 

The structure shares the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed during the 9/11 attacks. The center is home to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located just south of where the Twin Towers stood. It officially opened in 2014. I remember reading about the development at the time as the process culminated over years - it's steeped in symbolic significance - the museum a place to never forget the atrocity that occurred on September 11, 2001, a place to honour those who lost their lives and to examine the impact for generations to come. 

The Mayor tweeted: "The tragedy of September 11 touched the entire world, and it's still felt today. We're honored to join Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at One World Observatory."

The Observatory offers bird's-eye views of New York city (above 1,250 feet).

A view of Manhattan from the Observatory.

Admiring the incredible view.

Sky Pod elevators climb 102 stories in less than a minute. Home to an array of historical and cultural exhibitions and digital presentations, it's very much considered a superb way to enjoy a day in the city for all the family. Below, informed storytellers and innovative technology combine to create 'City Pulse', where visitors can explore human stories and destinations.

Harry and Meghan with Mayor de Blassio and First Lady McCray. The Mayor said the couple were "wonderful guests", adding "the work they are doing is so important to our whole country and our whole world".

I noticed Harry gave First Lady McCray a particularly warm hug. Chirlane McCray has been a powerful advocate for mental health reform, and was named a 2019 World Health Organisation champion. She created ThriveNYC, the most comprehensive mental health plan of any city or state in the nation, and serves as Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity, whose mission is to "ensure New York City’s recovery from COVID-19 is rooted in fairness and justice". Chirlane has written throughout her life -- using poetry as an outlet for the racism and bullying she endured. After the event the First lady tweeted: "Enjoyed meeting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex today with Bill and Dante, ahead of Global Citizen Live NYC. Harry and Meghan’s advocacy for global vaccine equity and mental fitness is powerful and it helps!"

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio tells Meghan Markle: “Enjoy, take a break.” pic.twitter.com/tjRXShvXMQ

— The Recount (@therecount) September 23, 2021

Dr Emma Guest-Consales joined the group this morning.

A thumbs up for excited fans from the Duchess.

Meghan Markle gives fans the thumbs up following visit to One World Observatory 👑 Read more: https://t.co/808ODNQgsw pic.twitter.com/RwFFlWXukT

— HELLO! (@hellomag) September 23, 2021

Afterwards, the Duke and Duchess paid their respects at the 9/11 memorial.

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan made a dedication on their Archewell website - listing the names of victims.

The Duchess wore a navy/black ensemble for the day with her hair pulled back in an updo. The Duchess wore a chic tailored coat with a rollneck sweater and trousers. It's been suggested Meghan's coat is Armani by multiple outlets. 

Meghan's Mirror suggests the Duchess wore a cashmere turtleneck top by The Row.

The Duchess accessorised with her Cartier Galanterie earrings. You might recall Meghan wore them on her wedding day.

And her Birks Snowflake ring (with many thanks to Laura).

It also appears Meghan's wearing Diana's Cartier Tank watch and love bracelet.

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Meghan sported her Aquazzurra Purist 105 pumps (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).

I'm sure this is a hugely exciting trip both professionally and personally for Harry and Meghan. The Duchess last visited two years ago to cheer on close friend Serena Williams in the US Open Final at Flushing Meadows, clad in a J Crew outfit. During the visit, People reported, "She joined a friend for a yoga class at one of her old haunts, Modo Yoga, in the West Village neighborhood. A source told the outlet, there were 'lots of knowing smiles' as she joined the class of sixty. 'She has been going to Modo Yoga for many years, and tries to do so whenever she is in New York. It was the perfect remedy for jet lag.'" Meghan loves New York. Indeed, a series of articles on The Tig were dedicated to 'A New York State of Mind'. So much has changed since those days -- and certainly since her visit in 2019.

Additionally, Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers aired on BBC One last night. Harry shared fond memories of his much-loved grandfather and thoughtful words on the relationship his grandparents shared. "The two of them together were just the most adorable couple. To me, knowing the cheekiness of him and knowing that behind what the world sees you have two individuals who were very much in love and both, from a very young age, have dedicated their life to service—that is an incredible bond between two people. From my grandmother's perspective, to have someone like that on your shoulder for 73 years of marriage — it doesn't get better than that."

I do expect we'll see the Duke and Duchess again before Saturday's event (possibly today). There have been discussions regarding the possibility of New York hosting the 2025 Invictus Games (with leading bids also from Seattle and Canada). It's also been announced Google has joined Harry's Travalyst initiative,  so I imagine there are meetings scheduled. Watch this space...