Royal tour: Meghan Kiwis charms with te reo in speech

The Duchess of Sussex has charmed Kiwis – a very happy person with a smile.

Meghan was welcomed at Government House last night with thunderous applause as she stepped up to speak about women's suffrage.

"Tēnā koutou katoa," she said before thanking Governor-General Lady Patsy Reddy for inviting Prince Harry and herself to the event.

"We are proud to join you tonight, in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in your country."

The Duchess made special mention of women in New Zealand who has been universally admired.

"In this particular case, I reflect on the importance of this achievement, but also the greater impact of what this symbolizes," she said.

"Because yes, women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.

"Suffrage is not just about the right to vote, but also about what it represents – the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community."

Earlier the former star in the TV series Suits spoke to star-struck young girls, offered words of comfort to one fan.

But while she was busy winning the Duke fell short in his knowledge of Kiwi sporting legends.

Student Nate Kearins with Prince Harry about sport during the traditional welcome ceremony on the lawns of Government House.

The 13-year-old asked the Duke if he knew who Steven Adams was but said Harry had no idea and did not know much about basketball.

Overall, though, the start of the royal tour went well, with thousands braving the cold to welcome the peer.

The arrival

The RNZAF planes touched down at 2.53pm, much to the delight of those who had gathered at the terminal for a glimpse of the royals.

Invictus Games athletes were the first off the plane. They were soon followed by the Duke and Duchess, who held hands as they came down the stairs to much applause.

Meghan wore a $ 975 tan checked Karen Walker coat and a simple black dress which is believed to have cost less than $ 100. Jacinda Ardern and Wellington Mayor Justin Lester and his wife, Elizabeth. After stopping for a picture with the athletes, the couple standing, smiling and waving at cheering fans.

Traditional welcome

After leaving the airport, Harry and Meghan received a traditional welcome ceremony, including a hongi, gala military, haka and 21-gun salute, on the lawns of Government House.

Prince Harry stopped to talk with soldiers about the sport of honor.

Meghan won the hearts of several Girl Guides.

"I love her dress and she was really pretty," said Minnie Newman, 11.

Meeting Reddy in Government House, Harry complimented the flowers on the table and ordered an English breakfast tea.

Wreath-laying and walkabout

An almighty scream rang out from the large crowd as the couple arrived for a walkabout in Wellington.

Before performing their public obligations, the band played a role in the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

The Duke was presented with the Badge in Gold, the highest honor of the New Zealand Returned and Services Association, in recognition of his work with injured veterans. The award was presented by RSA National President B. J. Clark, with the Duchess pinning it on her husband.

As the couple went to meet the audience, one excited young boy could be heard repeatedly screaming, "oh, my God". The royals were given numerous gifts, including multiple bags of pineapple lumps. Just before the walkabout ended, the Duke was given a Buzzy Bee toy for the child and was victoriously expecting and raised to the delight of the crowd.

The fire alarm and the reception

The couple puts National Party leader Simon Bridges and his wife Natalie late afternoon – albeit slightly late after a fire alarm was activated, apparently by an air freshener in the toilets.

They then put the Prime Minister back before attending a meeting hosted by Reddy to celebrate women's suffrage in New Zealand.

Reddy welcomed the couple and said they were visiting during an important year for New Zealand.

Today

The royals meet young people from several mental-health projects in Wellington. They will then head to Abel Tasman Park before spending the evening visiting Courtney Creative for an event celebrating Wellington's creative-arts scene.