Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Just Touched Down in Sydney for the Start of Their Royal Tour
Meghan Markle wasn't exaggerating when she said she wanted to "hit the ground running" in her new life as a member of the royal family. Here's everything we know about their trip to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Kingdom of Tonga.
They just arrived in Australia.
Meghan and Harry touched down in Sydney on Sunday. Shortly after they arrived, they announced news that they are expecting their first child together.
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.
- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2018
Where all are they going?
Meghan and Harry shared the news of their tour on June 12 via both Twitter and Instagram.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake an official visit to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand in the Autumn," read the statement. "The tour will fall on the occasion of @InvictusSydney 2018."
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Jun 10, 2018 at 4:01pm PDT
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake an official visit to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand in the Autumn 🇦🇺🇫🇯🇹🇴🇳🇿
The tour will fall on the occasion of @InvictusSydney 2018. pic.twitter.com/BWlU14WM66- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 10, 2018
When will the trip be?
In early September, Kensington Palace shared an itinerary for the trip, which will begin in Sydney on October 16 and end in Rotorua, New Zealand on the 31st.
The trip was intended to coincide with the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, which run from October 20–October 28. See the full schedule below:
An outline of Harry and Meghan’s Autumn tour from KP: That’s a lot of air miles! ✈️ 🇦🇺 🇫🇯 🇹🇴 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/iYA5opIZAK
- Emily Nash (@emynash) September 10, 2018
According to the Palace, "The programme across these four Commonwealth countries will focus on youth leadership, and environmental and conservation efforts, including the dedication of several new @QueensCanopy projects. The Tour will also focus on the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen and women through @InvictusSydney 2018. #IG2018"
They're already looking forward to the Invictus Games.
A new photo of the couple holding the event's flag was posted ahead of their trip. Check it out here:
Fabulous to see The Duke & Duchess of Sussex Fly the Flag for #IG2018 ahead of their trip Down Under! We’re looking forward to hosting them at various events during the Games & including the Closing Ceremony.
Tickets are available online https://t.co/7brBq4EK6f
#GameOnDownUnder pic.twitter.com/nUay7RIqnn- InvictusSydney (@InvictusSydney) October 10, 2018
Meghan and Harry will undertake 76 engagements over the course of the tour.
Some of the highlights include, of course, the Invictus Games in Sydney, meeting with His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu in Tonga, and visits with various government officials and social enterprise organizations.
They'll also hang with koalas at the Taronga Zoo, and we might even see the Duke and Duchess partake in some surfing and yoga in Sydney.
Meghan shared details of the trip some time ago:
Meghan had previously hinted that this trip would be taking place, sharing the news with Michael Mellon, who competed at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, when she and Harry attended the UK team trials for the Invictus Games in Bath back in April.
"She told me she had never been to Australia but was going to this year’s event and really looking forward to being there with Harry," he said, per reporter Omid Scobie.
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