The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off the first day of their royal tour with several engagements in Sydney.
The day began this morning at Admiralty House, the official Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, for their formal welcoming.
The appearance took place just twelve hours after the Palace confirmed the joyous news the couple are expecting their first child. The official statement read: 'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.' Harry and Meghan received good wishes from people all over the world since the delightful news broke.
The couple arrived at Admiralty house - their Sydney base - yesterday morning following a twenty-two hour flight from London. Yesterday provided a chance to catch up on sleep and prep. Harry was appointed a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by Her Majesty earlier this year. Both he and Meghan have spoken about their passion and commitment to representing the Queen abroad and bringing a spotlight to bear on causes they are passionate about. During the engagement interview, Meghan shared her excitement at the prospect of working in Commonwealth countries. "It's a new chapter". Less than one year later, she's undertaking 76 engagements across four Commonwealth countries whilst expecting her first child.
Kensington Palace said: "There is a long history of friendship between The Royal Family and Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, and their links with the UK are extensive. The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to experiencing the unique cultures and customs of these four Commonwealth countries, and have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Australians, Fijians, Tongans and New Zealanders as possible. Together they look forward to building an enduring relationship with the people of the region." Of course, Invictus Sydney is a major focus for the Duke and Duchess and it seemed only fitting their first engagement of the tour would include representatives from each of the eighteen countries who are participating in the Games.
Harry and Meghan were given a Kangaroo and her Joey and a pair of Ugg booties, to which Meghan exclaimed "Our first baby gift".
Back to the Mail Online's story:
Founder Karen Gee started the business with no retail experience whatsoever. Discussing launching the brand she said: "I worked tirelessly day and night, calling, emailing and meeting with people to explore any and all opportunities, learning resilience as it was at this time I was constantly hearing the words ‘no’ and ‘it is not possible."
More on the background of the brand:
Meghan teamed the dress with her Stuart Weitzman Legend pumps in Haze Beige.
The day began this morning at Admiralty House, the official Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, for their formal welcoming.
The appearance took place just twelve hours after the Palace confirmed the joyous news the couple are expecting their first child. The official statement read: 'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.' Harry and Meghan received good wishes from people all over the world since the delightful news broke.
The couple arrived at Admiralty house - their Sydney base - yesterday morning following a twenty-two hour flight from London. Yesterday provided a chance to catch up on sleep and prep. Harry was appointed a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by Her Majesty earlier this year. Both he and Meghan have spoken about their passion and commitment to representing the Queen abroad and bringing a spotlight to bear on causes they are passionate about. During the engagement interview, Meghan shared her excitement at the prospect of working in Commonwealth countries. "It's a new chapter". Less than one year later, she's undertaking 76 engagements across four Commonwealth countries whilst expecting her first child.
Kensington Palace said: "There is a long history of friendship between The Royal Family and Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, and their links with the UK are extensive. The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to experiencing the unique cultures and customs of these four Commonwealth countries, and have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Australians, Fijians, Tongans and New Zealanders as possible. Together they look forward to building an enduring relationship with the people of the region." Of course, Invictus Sydney is a major focus for the Duke and Duchess and it seemed only fitting their first engagement of the tour would include representatives from each of the eighteen countries who are participating in the Games.
'The Duke and Duchess joined in on an official group photograph before an ‘official call’ with the Governor General and Lady Cosgrove, whom they met when they arrived from London the previous day.
Several congratulated them on their happy news, ‘Thank you so much,’ said Meghan. ‘We are very excited.’
The dignitaries also presented Harry and Meghan with the Akubras - traditional wide-brimmed Australian hats - gifted to them on the occasion of their wedding in May.'
Harry and Meghan were given a Kangaroo and her Joey and a pair of Ugg booties, to which Meghan exclaimed "Our first baby gift".
Back to the Mail Online's story:
'Inside the mansion’s sitting room, the couple immediately spied a large cuddly kangaroo sitting on the table with, appropriately, a Joey in its pouch. They laughed as they saw it, Meghan exclaiming: ‘That’s so cute, our first baby gift!’ ‘There you are, ‘ said Sir Peter, as Harry leant forward to examine the Joey. ‘And this is your second,’ the Governor-General continued, as his wife handed the prince a pair of tiny Ugg boots.
‘Very Australian Ugg boots,’ said Lady Cosgrove. ‘These are awesome,’ said Harry as he posed for the cameras holding them. The couple were also handed a pair of traditional Australian wife-brimmed Australian Akubras hats as a belated wedding gift.
‘When you go to Dubbo you’ll see some of these,’ said Sir Peter. ‘Thank you so much,’ said Meghan. The four then sat down for a half hour official meeting. ‘Your Royal Highnesses, welcome to Australia,’ said Sir Peter, ‘may we on behalf of all Australians congratulate you both on the announcement that you are expecting a baby. We are delighted, it’s amazing, and I know that the people who are already excited to see you will just be enthralled by the fact of this wonderful news.’
After thanking him Harry said: ‘Thank you very much for having us and letting us stay in your wonderful house. And thank you very much for organising the weather! Let’s hope the rain stays off!’
Harry and Meghan receive their Australian Akubras hats.
A view of Admiralty House.
A view of Admiralty House.
From there, the pair travelled to Taronga Zoo to officially open the new Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.
Meghan received beautiful flowers from two very excited little ones.
During the visit, Harry and Meghan met two koalas and their joeys that are part of the Zoo’s breeding programme, and visited the laboratory to meet female conservation scientists who are working on efforts to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking.
At the Zoo, the couple were presented with Koala and Joey toys by Zookeeper Suzie. Meghan told her they will be going "in the nursery".
A video from the Zoo.
Taronga is home to over 4,000 animals from over 350 species.
Koalas are not only an Australian icon they have an important place in Aboriginal culture through shared stories, dance and rock art. Koalas are an integral part of the Australian bush. Protecting bushland and linking landscapes through the planting of wildlife corridors in an effort to save koala populations also protects the habitat of a wide range of animal and plant species such as possums, gliders, wombats, quolls, birds, and reptiles. The Zoo notes: "Decline in Koala numbers will have a significant, irreversible impact on the biodiversity of this great southern land. As part of Taronga’s commitment to restoring fragmented Koala habitat, the zoo is collaborating with Greenfleet and partnering with the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative and Jaliigirr to facilitate tree planting that increases landscape connectivity."
A look at the new Institute of Science and Learning.
The walkabout was filled with fun moments.
A beautiful photo of Meghan meeting a little girl with flowers.
Harry called Meghan over to meet a nine-year-old girl who was wearing a shirt with "Girls Can Do Anything" printed on it. Meghan told the girl she reminded her so much of herself and Harry took a photo of them together.
Hello Canada exclusively revealed the trench is by Australian designer Martin Grant. The coat is from the Resort 2019 Collection.
The Duchess wore the Blessed Dress by Australian designer Karen Gee (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). It was great to see Meghan starting the tour with a sartorial nod to a local designer. The $1800 dress features a simple, structured fit designed to contour the body for a sleek silhouette. Crafted in premium fabric, the ivory piece is described as a "timeless classic that will take you from day to night with ease.
Meghan received beautiful flowers from two very excited little ones.
During the visit, Harry and Meghan met two koalas and their joeys that are part of the Zoo’s breeding programme, and visited the laboratory to meet female conservation scientists who are working on efforts to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking.
At the Zoo, the couple were presented with Koala and Joey toys by Zookeeper Suzie. Meghan told her they will be going "in the nursery".
A video from the Zoo.
Taronga is home to over 4,000 animals from over 350 species.
Koalas are not only an Australian icon they have an important place in Aboriginal culture through shared stories, dance and rock art. Koalas are an integral part of the Australian bush. Protecting bushland and linking landscapes through the planting of wildlife corridors in an effort to save koala populations also protects the habitat of a wide range of animal and plant species such as possums, gliders, wombats, quolls, birds, and reptiles. The Zoo notes: "Decline in Koala numbers will have a significant, irreversible impact on the biodiversity of this great southern land. As part of Taronga’s commitment to restoring fragmented Koala habitat, the zoo is collaborating with Greenfleet and partnering with the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative and Jaliigirr to facilitate tree planting that increases landscape connectivity."
A look at the new Institute of Science and Learning.
Taronga’s aim is to inspire and educate the next generation of conservation scientists. The Taronga Institute will support the essential need for contextual authentic STEM learning and, together with the wider Zoo sites, will provide authentic, interactive learning opportunities in an environment of working science. We've seen Harry and Meghan support several STEM project since their engagement.
Then it was time to cut the ribbon.
This photo begs a caption contest :)
The Duke and Duchess travelled by vessel across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House.
Inside, they viewed a rehearsal of Spirit 2018 by the Bangarra Dance Theatre, an internationally acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander modern dance company.
The couple met the dancers afterwards.
Then it was time to cut the ribbon.
This photo begs a caption contest :)
The Duke and Duchess travelled by vessel across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House.
Inside, they viewed a rehearsal of Spirit 2018 by the Bangarra Dance Theatre, an internationally acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander modern dance company.
The couple met the dancers afterwards.
Then it was time for the first walkabout of the tour.
Hello Sydney!
The crowds outside Sydney Opera House.
The crowds outside Sydney Opera House.
Meghan told the crowds. "It's an exciting time. I've been so happy".
Prince Harry was reunited with Daphne Dunn.
The 98-year-old widow met Harry twice before during his visits to Australia. Harry was delighted to see her again and to introduce Meghan his wife.
Rebecca English reports:
Daphne described seeing them both as "marvellous".
There's lovely footage of the meeting in this video.
Prince Harry was reunited with Daphne Dunn.
The 98-year-old widow met Harry twice before during his visits to Australia. Harry was delighted to see her again and to introduce Meghan his wife.
Rebecca English reports:
'Daphne Dunn, 98, has been dubbed Prince Harry's 'favourite Aussie' with the Duke of Sussex stopping to have lengthy chats with her during both his 2015 and 2017 trips to Australia. War widow Daphne's first husband, Lieutenant Albert Chowne, died aged 25 in 1945 during an attack on a Japanese machine gun post in Papua New Guinea. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross which Mrs Dunne was wearing when she first met Prince Harry.
Meghan said: 'I'm so glad I got to meet you. Harry has told me all about you and your special bond, it's so lovely you came to see us, thank you.' Daphne said: 'It was lovely to meet the Duchess Meghan. Harry is a wonderful man and I'm so happy he had found happiness, they both deserved the absolute world together.'
Asked if this time was the most special meeting her hero Harry, Daphne said: 'Well it was certainly different. He's married now for a start and he looks very happy. I am over the moon for him. She is a wonderful girl. 'I congratulated them on their baby and said I wished them all the happiness they deserve.' Before leaving, Meghan told her: 'Hopefully next time we'll have our little one with us.'
Daphne described seeing them both as "marvellous".
There's lovely footage of the meeting in this video.
The walkabout was filled with fun moments.
A beautiful photo of Meghan meeting a little girl with flowers.
Harry called Meghan over to meet a nine-year-old girl who was wearing a shirt with "Girls Can Do Anything" printed on it. Meghan told the girl she reminded her so much of herself and Harry took a photo of them together.
a nine year old girl was wearing what looks to believe a “girls can do anything” shirt so harry asked her “do you want to meet my wife?” and called meghan over to meet her and meghan told her that she “reminded her so much of herself she was little” and harry took a photo of them pic.twitter.com/geegGtYtbf— meredith (@meghanmrkIe) October 16, 2018
Meghan wore a classic trench coat, a sophisticated dress by an Australian designer and Diana's jewels.
Hello Canada exclusively revealed the trench is by Australian designer Martin Grant. The coat is from the Resort 2019 Collection.
The Duchess wore the Blessed Dress by Australian designer Karen Gee (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). It was great to see Meghan starting the tour with a sartorial nod to a local designer. The $1800 dress features a simple, structured fit designed to contour the body for a sleek silhouette. Crafted in premium fabric, the ivory piece is described as a "timeless classic that will take you from day to night with ease.
Founder Karen Gee started the business with no retail experience whatsoever. Discussing launching the brand she said: "I worked tirelessly day and night, calling, emailing and meeting with people to explore any and all opportunities, learning resilience as it was at this time I was constantly hearing the words ‘no’ and ‘it is not possible."
More on the background of the brand:
'Encompassing the utmost importance of positive body image, inner beauty and self-worth, the brand was formed with a primary focus on style and helping women feel not only comfortable but confident, each design promises the perfect fit and the ability to celebrate all women, regardless of shape or size.
The Karen Gee Brand has become renowned for its signature structure, flattering cuts and versatile nature – pieces that contour the body and promise a sleek and flawless silhouette without restricting the wearer. These hand-crafted garments may also be customized for the individual with colour choices and a host of other bespoke design options to suit each client’s unique requirements and taste.
2016 saw the incredible milestone that was the opening of a Flagship Store located in Sydney’s Chifley Plaza. Here we offer one-on-one private consultations to ensure that every woman gets the true KG experience. In 2017 KARENGEE launched KG Corporate, a new service comprised of dedicated consultants that may assist you with your unique wardrobe needs at your office and on your schedule for a truly unique “shopping” experience.
This is a brand that truly cares and is dedicated to helping you feel beautiful in every way; a brand that celebrates ALL women and every unique quality that makes you, you; a brand to empower women and ensure you feel strong, confident and ready to take on the world. KARENGEE is a brand made by women for women, because who else better to understand? While available internationally, all garments are proudly made in Australia and accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia.'
Meghan teamed the dress with her Stuart Weitzman Legend pumps in Haze Beige.
The Duchess paid tribute to the late Princess Diana by wearing pieces from her personal jewellery collection.
Royal Watcher quickly noted Meghan wore Diana's gold butterfly earrings. Hello reports: "It seems likely the butterfly earrings were a gift from her husband Prince Harry on the happy news that he would soon become a father. The stunning jewel-encrusted butterfly earrings were the finishing touch to the Duchess of Sussex's first Royal Tour outfit as she stepped out in Sydney this morning."
Meghan also wore Diana's gold bracelet with blue stones. Reporter Rebecca English added: "Really touching to think that Harry’s mother’s personal jewellery is now being worn by the daughter-in-law she never got to meet."
Later, the Duke and Duchess will attend a Reception hosted by the Governor-General at Admiralty House, to be attended by Australians from a broad range of sectors including charity and community, business and industry, arts and culture, sport and entertainment.
Royal Watcher quickly noted Meghan wore Diana's gold butterfly earrings. Hello reports: "It seems likely the butterfly earrings were a gift from her husband Prince Harry on the happy news that he would soon become a father. The stunning jewel-encrusted butterfly earrings were the finishing touch to the Duchess of Sussex's first Royal Tour outfit as she stepped out in Sydney this morning."
Meghan also wore Diana's gold bracelet with blue stones. Reporter Rebecca English added: "Really touching to think that Harry’s mother’s personal jewellery is now being worn by the daughter-in-law she never got to meet."
Later, the Duke and Duchess will attend a Reception hosted by the Governor-General at Admiralty House, to be attended by Australians from a broad range of sectors including charity and community, business and industry, arts and culture, sport and entertainment.