Pregnant Meghan Markle is rushed out of a market in Fiji after ‘security scare’ leaving thousands of royal fans who gathered to meet her disappointed
- The Duchess of Sussex has been rushed out of a market following a security scare, disappointing crowds
- Meghan, 37, was at the marketplace in Suva, the Fijian capital, to meet women for a UN initiative
- But the planned 20-minute tour was cut short – and she spent just six minutes at the market before leaving
The Duchess of Sussex has been rushed out of a market following a security scare, in a move which disappointed crowds of well wishers gathered to meet her.
Meghan, 37, was at the marketplace in Suva, the Fijian capital, to meet female stall holders involved with the UN Women’s project ‘Markets for Change’ before she was promptly whisked away by security.
The planned 20-minute tour was cut short, with the Duchess spending just six minutes in the market before she was moved along.
The swift change in schedule was put down to a ‘security risk’, with Kensington Palace blaming massive crowds.
However, onlookers were disappointed at the mother-to-be’s exit as onlookers described the crowd as well behaved and friendly.
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The Duchess of Sussex has been rushed out of a market following a security scare, in a move which disappointed crowds of well wishers gathered to meet her
Meghan, 37, was at the marketplace in Suva, the Fijian capital, to to meet female stall holders involved with the UN Women’s project ‘Markets for Change’ before she was promptly whisked away by security
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The decision to cut short the engagement came as a surprise and disappointment to many in the market.
They pointed out that the crowds were being kept well back from the duchess by police and royal security and she was not being mobbed.
‘It such such a shame as we were all very excited to meet her,’ said one stall holder who had been positioned to expect a visit from the duchess.
‘We started preparing for the visit three weeks ago and had been meant to meet her but she left without even saying hello.’
Flanked by her female head of protection and a Fijian security official, Meghan’s safety was kept paramount as she was quickly moved on from the scheduled engagement.
The officer, who the Mail is not naming for security reasons, has been working with the couple for several months and is currently with them on tour, overseeing the massive police operation that surrounds them.
Before the chaos, the Duchess of Sussex was seen gazing adoringly at her husband as the royal couple got into the island spirit in brightly-coloured outfits as they embarked on a morning of engagements in Fiji.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan arrived at the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva on Wednesday, to mark the university’s 50th anniversary.
Meghan was wearing a bright blue and pink tiered silk Figue Frederica printed ruffle dress, while her husband was in a blue tropical print shirt.
Her dress featured a wrap silhouette with a v-neckline, long sleeves and asymmetrical ruffle hem with pom poms and seashell detail.
She completed her look with a tropical flower headpiece. The Duchess has her personal hairdresser, George Northwood, with her in Fiji.
The planned 20-minute tour was cut short, with the Duchess spending just six minutes in the market before she was moved along
The decision to cut short the engagement came as a surprise and disappointment to many in the market, with some pointing out that the crowds were being kept well back from the duchess by police and royal security
Onlookers were disappointed at the Duchess’ exit as onlookers described the crowd as well behaved and friendly
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look lovingly into each other’s eyes after they were each presented with tropical leis in Fiji
The Duchess of Sussex was mobbed by young fans as she toured around Suva, the capital of Fiji, on Wednesday morning
The pregnant Meghan once again proved to be a natural with the local children, with some even giving her a hug
Hundreds of youngsters patiently lined-up to meet the mother-to-be, with some handing the Duchess drawings and hand-made necklaces
The children, who held hand-made signs of the royal couple, were in awe of Meghan as she greeted them one-by-one
Mother-to-be Meghan met with a little girl who was holding a Fijian flag as she undertook her royal duties at the university campus
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex smiled as they were each presented with extravagant floral leis at a university campus in Fiji
The royal couple later emerged from inside the university but only Meghan was still wearing the tropical lei
Meghan was also seen carrying an oversized locally-made clutch which featured a printed Fijian design
A glowing Duchess of Sussex gave a royal wave to the crowd of adoring fans which greeted her and her husband in Suva
Meghan spoke at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji – the first time she has given a speech during the 16-day royal tour
Meghan spoke of how the ‘journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one’
Meghan chatted to university students after giving her inspiring speech, where she had also spoke of her own personal university experience
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The royals were greeted by pipe playing musicians and cheering crowds as they walked down the red carpet which had been rolled-out for their arrival, with Meghan mobbed by young fans.
The Duchess later gave a speech to university students, the first words she has spoken during their 16-day Commonwealth tour, which is more than half-way through.
Meghan spoke of how the ‘journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one’.
‘I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included. It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition – that I was able to attend university,’ she said.
‘And, without question, it was worth every effort. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.
‘Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development. Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.’
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Inside the university, the couple observed a cultural performance on the effects of climate change in the Pacific from the university’s Oceania Dance Troupe, before meeting students studying subjects from agriculture to women’s development.
Their Royal Highnesses were hosted by Queen’s Young Leader Elisha Azeemah Bano and Commonwealth Youth Award winner Elvis Kumar, both of whom are USP students.
The event was live streamed to a number of the university’s campuses throughout the Pacific region.
Harry also made a speech in his capacity as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.
In between the university and the market, Meghan dropped by the British High Commissioner’s Residence, where she attended a morning tea reception
Meghan completed her look with a tropical flower headpiece. The Duchess has her personal hairdresser, George Northwood, with her in Fiji
Prince Harry and wife Meghan arrived at the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva, Fiji, on their second full day in the Pacific Island nation
Meghan, 37, was wearing a bright blue and pink tiered dress by Figue, while Prince Harry was in a blue tropical print shirt
The royal couple were seen holding hands as they walked through the university campus, as a huge crowd turned out to catch a glimpse of the pair
Meghan’s dress featured a wrap silhouette with a v-neckline, long sleeves and asymmetrical ruffle hem with pom poms and seashell detail
The royal couple waved to students who had turned out to welcome them to the university campus on Wednesday morning
The couple were greeted by pipe playing musicians and cheering crowds as they walked up the red carpet
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MEGHAN’S SPEECH TO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Bula! It is a great privilege to be with all of you today. As a university graduate, I know the personal feeling of pride and excitement that comes with attending university. From the moment you receive your acceptance letter, to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni, and the moment you receive your diploma.
The journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one. I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included. It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition – that I was able to attend university.
And, without question, it was worth every effort. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital. Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development. Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.
While progress has been made in many areas across the Commonwealth, there is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women. The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which has Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of, supports universities to promote equality in their own institutions. I am pleased to announce today that two new grants will be awarded to Fiji National University and the University of the South Pacific, allowing each of them to run workshops which empower their female staff.
This means that female faculty members are able to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and enter higher-education, and that more womenbecome part of the decision-making process in academic institutions. Grants like this ensure that women are provided with the training and skills to operate effectively in their roles, and those with leadership potential are given the opportunity to be heard and recognised at the most senior level.
It is wonderful to join you here today and we look forward to learning more about your academic endeavours, and the work you plan to do as future leaders and as change-makers! My husband Harry and I, wish you all the very best of luck as you continue your studies and work. Your efforts now will help to make a positive future for each of you and your communities at large – congratulations to you all!
The couple then went in separate directions.
The Duke travelled to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and The Duchess to the British High Commissioner’s Residence, before heading to Suva Market.
But her expected 20-minute visit was cut short – she spent just six minutes in the market and only met a handful of people.
The change in swift change in schedule was put down to a ‘security risk’, with Kensington Palace blaming massive crowds.
The Duke of Sussex had earlier left a touching handwritten note in Fijian at a wreath laying ceremony at the national war memorial in the Pacific Island nation.
He was up early to lay a poppy wreath on Wednesday, which carried the personal message ‘In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Loloma kei na masu. Harry’.
The wording in Fijian means love and prayers.
He also meet with a number of Fijian war veterans, some of whom served with the British Armed Forces, on his second day in the country.
Pregnant Meghan stayed behind at their luxury Suva hotel as her husband attended to his early morning official duties.
The couple is staying at the Grand Pacific Hotel, where the Queen also stayed in 1953.
Since then Fiji has hosted a number of royal visits, including five from the Queen and three from Prince Charles.
The huge crowds which had gathered for the royal couple’s visit were held back by authorities
Adoring onlookers held up signs for the royal couple, with one jokingly saying ‘We’re suppose to be studying’
The Duke of Sussex had earlier honoured Fiji’s proud military heritage at a wreath laying ceremony
Prince Harry is pictured at a wreath laying ceremony at the national war memorial in Suva, Fiji on Wednesday morning
The poppy wreath held by the Duke of Sussex carried a personal handwritten message, in both English and Fijian
Prince Harry wrote: ‘In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Loloma kei na masu. Harry’
The wreath laying ceremony was Prince Harry’s first official duty in Fiji on Wednesday morning, which he attended without his pregnant wife
Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for ten years, honoured Fiji’s proud military heritage at the wreath laying ceremony.
The Duke, dressed in uniform accompanied by his medals and holding a sword, saluted as the last post was sounded and the Fijian flag lowered.
There are more than 1250 Fijians currently serving in the British army and Prince Harry’s Fijian orderly is also ex-British forces.
After Prince Harry had laid the wreath, he was introduced to a line-up of veterans.
The royal shook each man by the hand as he walked along the line and had a joke with one senior veteran. Meeting Maleli Naigulevu, from Koro Island, Prince Harry asked: ‘Hello, how old are you?’
When Maleli told him his age, the prince exclaimed: ’84! Still looking very young!’ Afterwards Maleli said: ‘I served for 40 years in the medical corps, I was a pathologist. ‘It was very nice to meet Prince Harry today. He is a very good role model for us all.
The Duke of Sussex salutes during the wreath laying ceremony at the national war memorial in Suva, Fiji
Prince Harry was notably dressed for the occasion as he took the salute at the wreath laying ceremony in Suva
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‘The British royals family are very popular here as Fiji was ceded to Great Britain and they taught us good things.’
As Prince Harry progressed down the line of veterans, he sounded very like his father Charles and grandfather Philip. ‘Very nice to see you today’ he told each man. ‘Did you enjoy your service? How are you today?’
Then he came to 12-year-old Taniela Vakalaca who was wearing all his father’s medals as his dad died in Kenya two years ago. Harry asked him: ‘Who’s are these medals… your father’s…? Ah… Are you going to join the army? You don’t have to! Only if you want to!’
Prince Harry pulled his mum out of the crowd to shake her hand and told her how nice it was to meet her. Afterwards a rather shy Taniela said: ‘It was very nice to meet him [Harry]. My medals are my dads. He passed away in 2016 in Kenya, in Africa. I miss him very much and I want to follow my dad’.
The Duke then spotted a friend. Brit Derek Detenalagi knew the prince from the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014. He and his wife Ana, whose family are from Fiji, flew over specially for the royal visit and were invited to Tuesday night’s state dinner.
When Prince Harry spotted the couple he teased them: ‘Late night last night? Look after yourselves!’ Ana said: ‘We weren’t on the list this morning for this wreath-laying but his PA Clara told us to be here this morning. We were at the reception last night which was fun. We were very honoured as he gave us each a hug. We did have quite a late night but Harry didn’t. He and Meghan left with the president’.
Prince Harry attended the ceremony solo while his wife Meghan Markle stayed behind at the couple’s hotel
Prince Harry is meeting with a number of Fijian war veterans following the wreath laying ceremony
Fiji created a special ‘HRH’ number for the vehicle which had driven Prince Harry to the wreath laying ceremony
After Prince Harry had laid the wreath, the Duke of Sussex was introduced to a line-up of veterans
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At the state dinner on Tuesday night, Prince Harry had also spoke of how he had served alongside Fijian servicemen in Afghanistan.
‘Your soldiers fought with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars and continue to serve alongside our soldiers to this day, with more than 1,250 Fijians currently serving,’ he said.
‘I must emphasise my respect, admiration and camaraderie with the Fijian soldiers that I served with in Afghanistan.
‘We trained together, we fought together, and most importantly we laughed together.’
On Thursday, the royal couple will travel to the city of Nadi in Western Fiji, where they will attend a special event at Nadi Airport.
After an official welcome ceremony, The Duke and Duchess will unveil a new statue commemorating Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba.
From Nadi Airport, Their Royal Highnesses will take a chartered flight to Tonga.
The visit to Fiji and Tonga is part of a mammoth 16-day tour, which also includes Australia and New Zealand.
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