The Pacific voyage of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan unleashes unsuspected euphoria: in the island state of Fiji, the joy of visiting the couple was so great that the authorities had to change the program without further ado - out of concern for the safety of the pregnant Meghan.
The 37-year-old had to shorten her visit to a market hall in the capital Suva, because the crowd was much larger than expected. Meghan spoke briefly with a salesman and quickly greeted a few people in the hall, then she disappeared after a few minutes again.
In fact, at least a quarter of an hour had been earmarked for visiting sales assistants as part of a UN project. Whether there was actually a danger is unclear: Reporters on site said that the market visitors were simply thrilled by the Duchess and had begun to sing.
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Meghan and Harry in Fiji: "It was worth every effort"Nevertheless, Meghan had a longer and less stressful performance: she gave a speech on education at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. She stressed to students how important education is for women and girls and called for free access to universities. On the occasion she also talked about how hard she had to work to finance her studies: "But it was undoubtedly worth every effort."
The couple's joint program included a state dinner with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. Harry pointed out that Fiji and Britain are linked by a similar sense of humor - and by the love of popular sport rugby.
"This visit is particularly nostalgic for us as a young couple," said the prince. His grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, have often visited the same hotel as Meghan and he reside. "But this visit is also an opportunity to learn more about the future of Fiji, about economic growth, sustainable tourism developments and social projects."
Meghan had on arrival in the capital Suva first worn a high-necked, long-sleeved white midi dress - on the advice of her doctors: they had recommended the pregnant Duchess, in this way to protect against infection with the Zika virus. With no case in the region this year, the couple decided to stick to their original travel plans.
Muddy water for the prince
On Monday, Meghan had recovered a little on the Australian island of Fraser Island, while her husband met with indigenous peoples in his official program. The 34-year-old also continued his program in Fiji against internal resistance: At a welcome ceremony, Harry had to swallow visibly, as he was handed a bowl of traditional Kava drink.
At first Harry looked worriedly at his wife. Then he encouraged himself with the traditional toast "Bula" and downed the plant infusion, which tastes like muddy water and leaves a numbing sensation on the face, in a train down. His fans broke out in cheers, he even applauded applause.
On Thursday, the two want to travel to Tonga, the day after they will return to Australia at the end of the Invictus Games in Sydney. The Games, a sporting event for war-weary soldiers, are a heart project for Harry. On Sunday the couple is going to New Zealand, to England they want to fly back on November 1st.