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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were warmly welcomed to Fiji.
After the royal couple – who recently announced they are expecting their first child – arrived at Nausori airport on Tuesday (local time), they met with Fijian President Jioji Konrote and went to an official welcoming ceremony. at Albert Park.
The ceremony, known as Veirqaraqaravi Vakavanua, embodies Fijian cultural identity and heritage. It resembled that of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1953, including the presentation of Tabua and the performance of a traditional dance, known as Meke, by members of the village of Nakelo.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip travel to Fiji in 1982
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About 15,000 people applauded the crowd as he took a sip of kava, a non-alcoholic drink traditionally served at social events. Although the plant is used to treat anxiety, its effect on the liver is a concern, it has been banned import of this product in the European Union since 2003.
"Bula vinaka!" Harry told the crowd, demonstrating that he knew Fijian greetings. "The Duchess and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next two days and celebrating the ties and close friendship between Fiji and the United Kingdom. "
Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, also received woven fans, customized with "HRH" (His Royal Highness)!
Meghan Markle
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Prince Harry
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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The couple then headed to the Grand Pacific Hotel and greeted the balcony – as did Harry's grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, during their visit to Fiji in 1953.
The queen has stayed at the hotel five times – and Harry's father, Prince Charles, has done so many times.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1953
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Later in the evening – and after a change of outfit, which saw Meghan in her first evening dress of the couple's tour Down Under – Harry spoke at a reception and an official dinner hosted by the President of Fiji.
Harry stated that he and Meghan were "overwhelmed by the warm welcome of the Fijians we received from the inhabitants of these beautiful islands this afternoon at Albert Park and from the airport! It's really a privilege to be here.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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"This visit is particularly nostalgic for us as a young married couple. My grandparents have stayed at this hotel, the Grand Pacific, several times over the years. "
The Duke of Sussex added: "As you know, Fiji has a long tradition of welcoming royal visitors over the years and our two countries have forged close and friendly bonds. We share Commonwealth values and common goals – a love of rugby and a sense of humor! Our links are deep. "
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