The Sussexes Bring Rain (and Meghan's Banana Bread) To Drought Stricken Dubbo!

Day Two of the Sussexes' Royal Tour of Australia saw the Duke and Duchess fly to the town of Dubbo, situated on the Macquarie River, 300 kilometres northwest of Sydney.

When the tour itinerary was released earlier this month many were surprised to see the regional city included, expecting the couple to visit the more well-known areas of the country. The royal visit certainly did not happen by accident; it was the result of a hard-won pitch by the local council who knew the global coverage and potential tourism could prove a substantial coup for the area. Dubbo has been battling against an unprecedented drought which has crippled residents, drying up income sources and leaving farmers with impossible conditions to contend with. Mayor Ben Shields told The Guardian: "They made it clear months ago that they would be going to a regional centre, and we jumped on board as quickly as we could - begged, pleaded, did everything we had to do to get them there. Dubbo is the primary service centre for western NSW … and if the farmers have no cash in their pockets, it means they don’t spend on our local businesses." Today's visit means a great deal to locals. Below, Harry and Meghan with the Mayor at the airport.

Then it was time to meet a very excited group of children.

Harry and Meghan were welcomed with hugs by adorable schoolboy Luke Vincent.

Luke was fascinated by Harry's beard. School Principal Anne Van Dartel said: "He got a hug from Meghan and then Harry bent down to speak to him and Luke didn't give him any choice. Luke's favourite person in the world is Santa Claus, who has a beard. So he rubbed Harry's beard. It's been a wonderful experience for these little country kids to meet people they've only ever seen on TV."

More from the Mail Online:

'Five-year-old Lyra Rose, of Dubbo South Public School, said: 'It's the first time I have met a princess and I will remember it forever, while school captain Mali Hopkins-Davies, 12, said: 'Harry asked us when we had had rain. They seemed to know a lot about the drought.'

Millie Sutcliffe, 10, from Dubbo South Public School, hugged both royals. 'My wish came true. I said congratulations on the baby and they thanked me. I said 'I love you guys' and I got a hug. They said "thank you for coming to meet us, you guys are awesome".'

Lachlan Eddy and Tyson Salt, both 12, from Dubbo West Public School, had Meghan in stitches as they performed some energetic dance moves. 'She said it was very funny,' Lachlan said.'

Preparations have been underway for the royal visit for weeks.

Shortly before Harry and Meghan arrived, Kensington Palace shared this photo: "Dubbo, we're coming to see you."

Dubbo Airport ready for the royals.

Dubbo has a long history of welcoming the royals. Harry and Meghan are very much following in the Queen and Prince Philip's footsteps in establishing a relationship with the area. Below, Her Majesty and Prince Philip inspecting sheep at the Dubbo Showground in 1954.

We also see Her Majesty pictured during her 1992 visit. The Monarchy is very much about building connections, continuity and of course making memories. The Daily Liberal reports: "Jenny Ballhausen can still recall the atmosphere at Dubbo School of Distance Education as the monarch and Prince Philip stepped into the classroom. Ms Ballhausen recalled the monarch taking part in a question and answer session via radio with students located across a vast section of western NSW. 'They asked questions about their corgis, what they like to do in their spare time… and of course she answered them over the airwaves, which was quite interesting, and certainly would have been different for her at the time,' she said. Speaking about the Sussexes visit she said: 'I really love how they are focusing on young people, it seems to be, and issues that affect younger people.  It’s lovely that they’re young and energetic and up with it, and although there is a lot of protocol and rules and stuff about it, they seem to be really relaxed.'"

The Duke and Duchess visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service which is celebrating its 90th year.

They learned more about the life-saving role the aviation service provides for people living in rural and regional areas.

Meghan posed for a photo with Nerrie Madden, Lilly Myles, and Terri Lee Leach. Nerrie said that Meghan happily agreed to a photo and up close was "beautiful, just as natural as you'd expect".

A nice video covering the arrival and engagement.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world, providing extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of 7.69 million square kilometres. Delivered by a dedicated team of professionals, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, and supported by a vast number of volunteers and supporters, the RFDS is vital for those that live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia.

In 90 years, the service has come a long way. From a single leased Qantas plane in 1928, today they have a fleet of 69 planes, 115 road service vehicles and 1,400 professionals delivering emergency medical and primary health services across the country.

The RFDS flew 26,412,555 kilometres in the last year, which is the equivalent  of 34 times to the moon and back to deliver vital health services.

Flying Dog Aaron is proud to be part of the team.

The couple cut the 90th anniversary cake.

Next, Harry and Meghan saw first-hand the hardships local farmers are facing at Mountain View Farm.

The couple with the Woodley family.

A very touching tweet from Rebecca English.

The family have been running a livestock and crop farm for over five generations since 1887.

Harry and Meghan joined the family feeding the cattle.

In an incredibly thoughtful gesture, Meghan brought banana bread she baked at Admiralty House last night and Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend tea for tea with the Woodley family. A Palace aide said: "She loves baking and just decided to take something along with her on the spur of the moment." I thought it a lovely personal touch.

More from Hannah Furness: 'The family, who gather at the farm for teas and long lunches regularly, were impressed with the Duchess’s gift of banana bread. The mother-to-be baked the cake, packed with chocolate chips and a touch of ginger, at Admiralty House in Sydney on Tuesday night. Benita Woodley, one of the recipients, said of Meghan: “She said if you go to someone’s house you always bring something, so she did. “She said she was worried about the bananas, that she’d put too many bananas in it. But the Duke said there’s never too many bananas.” Meghan said she is “running on adrenaline” as she undertakes her gruelling first major tour while pregnant, she has said, saying she is feeling “pretty well so far”.

A video from the visit.

9 News reports:

'One Dubbo farming family doing it tough have revealed how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sympathised and listened to their plight as the drought continues to grip NSW. Scott and Elaine Woodley, joined by their 23-year-old daughter Laura, were visited by Harry and Meghan and explained to the the young royals the devastating effects of the drought. “Mountain View”, the Woodley’s mixed cattle and sheep property has been run by the same family since 1887.

Scott Woodley said the impact of the drought on the family’s farm had been immense. “It’s been tough, it’s been over two years now. We can handle droughts, but when you get on top of each other it’s really challenging,” said Woodley. “It’s been testing for the family especially when you’ve got two girls away at university. Financially it’s been very hard.”

Woodley said the young royals talked about “all sorts of things” with the family. “They were very interested in what we’ve been going through for the past two years,” said Woodley. “They understood that while it might look green here now, there’s no moisture underneath. “They were interested in the hay and how the prices went through the roof once it got really serious.”

Whilst departing, Meghan asked the car to stop so she could meet a group of people who waited to see them. The video is filled with sweet moments of Harry with the children and Meghan received another gift for the nursery.

How heartwarming it is, that Meghan asked to stop the car to go meet the people who waited to see them.  pic.twitter.com/di4W4ns5PD

— Amélie of Sussex (@rachelxzane) October 17, 2018

Next, The Duke and Duchess travelled to Victoria Park to join people from Dubbo and surrounding areas at a picnic in the park to celebrate community spirit within the region. To the delight of those in Dubbo, the couple brought the rain with them.

During Harry's speech Meghan held an umbrella over him.

During an inspiring speech Harry referenced his grandparents visit to the area in 1954 and the resilience of locals throughout the drought.

The Prince also addressed mental health and suicide rates. People reports:

'Showing they are the perfect team, the pregnant royal then walked on stage and insisted on returning the favor, sheltering him as he spoke to the crowd. Appreciating her gesture, the prince said, “it’s all right, I’ve got my wife.”

Harry began his speech by praising the people of Australia and the country town saying, “you are the salt of the earth, honest, hardworking and as tough as they come and that resilience, sense of humor and commitment to the land are the qualities that make you unique.” “You are the backbone of this country,” Harry continued. “The rich traditions of the Australian outback are legendary. You have a lot to be proud of. But I know that life has not been easy.”

Harry also joked about the rain saying it was a “gift,” but shifted the conversation to a more serious note by pointing out that weather was not enough to end the region’s long drought. Harry, who has been open about his own struggles with mental health, also addressed another very serious impact of the drought — an increase in suicide among young male in rural areas. “You have just lived through two years of drought and despite the recent welcome rain it is going to take a lot more and a long time to recover,” Harry continued. “It must be hard not to lose hope when you endure so many dry months end on end knowing that you are powerless to do anything about it.”

“We know that suicide rates in rural and remote areas are greater than in urban populations and this may especially be true among young men in remote regions,” he continued. ‘But outside all of that, here’s what I also know. You are one huge community and with that comes an unparalleled level of internal support and understanding.” The prince told the crowd it is critical they ask for that help. “You need to know a part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it. You must not silently suffer.” “But you need to know, part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it. You must not silently suffer.”

Speaking on his own journey Harry added, “You are all in this together and, if I may say, personally, we are all in this together. Because asking for help was one of the best decisions that I ever made. You will be continually amazed at how life changes for the better.”

The royal pair met representatives from Drought Angels. The small charity is run by big hearts, who offer a listening ear, a warm hug and personalised support given to each family.

The couple spent time meeting locals.

The event was dubbed 'Picnic in the Park'.

In the afternoon, the Duke and Duchess visited a local school working to improve the education outcomes of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Students opened up their classrooms to present their work. Emily Andrew said: "At Dubbo Senior College the netball and football teams were standing in the pouring rain so Meghan and Harry shook practically everyone’s hand as they came under cover. And then they were mobbed by the entire school! Got a little crazy but they were loving it."

In an embargoed engagement, Meghan carried out her first solo of the tour, meeting pupils from the Girls Academy. Emily Andrews spoke to the girls afterwards: Schoolgirl Kieasha Ross, 17, said: “Us being Aboriginal girls and her being of a different race and being accepted into the Royal Family shows us anyone can be accepted. It’s great that someone who’s bi-racial and American can do this. It makes her a role model.”

The Duchess selected a mixture of Australian, American and French brands for her smart casual ensemble today.

Meghan wore the Serena Williams Boss Oversized Blazer. Meghan has been close friends with the tennis superstar for several years and cheered her on in the Wimbledon final over the summer. The $145 style  features a plaid print, notched collars and patch pockets.

The Duchess wore the Maison Kitsune Oxford Fox Embroidery Classic Shirt. It's described as: "This Maison Kitsune shirt is composed of classic oxford shirting and detailed with a tonal embroidered fox at the breast. Fold-over collar and button placket. Long sleeves with button cuffs." (With thanks to Meghan's Fashion and Perth Fashion).

Meghan's black jeans are by Australian brand Outland Denim. The Harriet Jeans retail for £140.

Premium denim with a conscience, Outland Denim are all about premium cuts ethically crafted from raw materials. The brand offers sustainable employment and training to women rescued from human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Founder James Bartle revealed his time in Asia inspired him to make a difference during an interview with the The Good Trade:

'I saw the streets lined with brothels. Young men and women would jump out onto the street to try and acquire our business. I wasn’t ignorant to the sex trade, but when we stood in front of one of the clubs and a young girl of probably only 12 or 13 years old stood there with fear in her eyes waiting for what could have even been her first customer, I was changed. I pictured one of my nieces (I had no daughters at the time) being trapped in a situation like that. That’s what broke me.

Funding the project has been one of the hardest parts. We sold sausages at local events to gather funds and borrowed money off friends and family to pay the next month's wages. We started another business to help fund the project, and there have been so many generous people who donated money, too. I remember counting out a jar full of gold coins my uncle had given me to try and make up the money needed to get to Cambodia for one of the many trips back and forth. The very first pair of jeans we made were such a long way from resembling the product we have today. They looked like jeans but fit more like a pair of my daughter’s leggings around the thighs with room for a circus around the waist. We had so much to learn!'

Meghan sported the $178 J Crew Sadie Ankle Boots in black suede.

The boots are currently available in sizes 5-12 on the J Crew website and Nordstrom.

The Duchess selected a necklace by Sydney based handmade jewellery brand Natalie Marie. Meghan wore the Precious Initial Necklace. It's described as "A hand engraved disc with a raised, milligrain edge with the option of an additional diamond inset."

Meghan completed the look with her Pascale Monvoisin Cauri N°2 9-karat rose gold, onyx and diamond necklace. It's available at Net-A-Porter.

And completed the look with her Adina Reyter 14k Gold Three Diamond Amigos Curve Earrings.

Tomorrow's Schedule, Thursday 18 October:

• Harry and Meghan will fly to Melbourne where the day will begin with a short walk to Government House, meeting members of the public along the way, before attending an official Reception at Government House. A diverse group of young Victorian leaders and community members will attend the Reception, including Queen's Young Leader Hunter Johnson from The Man Cave. A demonstration of various sporting activities will take place in the grounds, with ambassadors from the This Girl Can campaign.
• Following the Reception at Government House, The Duke and Duchess will visit a social enterprise café which offers leadership, mentoring and training programmes for young Aboriginal people.
• In the afternoon, Their Royal Highnesses will visit a primary school to meet students who are involved in sustainability programmes. Upon departure from the school, The Duke and Duchess will travel on an iconic Melbourne tram to South Melbourne beach, where they will meet volunteers from a local beach patrol programme. Here Their Royal Highnesses will learn about efforts to keep Port Phillip Bay beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact on the marine environment.

It was a very memorable day in Dubbo!