The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted in New Zealand with a traditional Māori welcome yesterday afternoon on the final leg of their 16-day tour of the South Pacific.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan each performed a hongi with Māori elders, before being welcomed with two haka performances and a 21-gun salute at Government House in Wellington.
The royal couple have received a warm welcome upon their arrival in New Zealand today. (Source: Other)
The couple is scheduled to spend four days in New Zealand, where they will meet with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, go for a trail walk in a national park, meet young people training to be part of the film industry, and visit a hatchery for kiwis.
At Government House, a group of children got to meet Harry and Meghan. Asked what sports they played, the kids listed them off: cricket, rugby, hockey, netball, basketball.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made some lucky kids' day at Government House. (Source: Other)
Nate Kearins, a 13-year-old from Kairanga School in Palmerston North, said he asked Harry if he'd heard of Steven Adams, a New Zealand-born NBA player. He said Harry had no idea, and clearly didn't know much about basketball.
Minnie Newman, an 11-year-old from Kelburn Girl Guides, said she was impressed with Meghan.
"I love her dress and she was really pretty," Minnie said. "She seems really nice and kind and would be good for royalty."
Greta Crowe, 11, said she told the couple that the best part of being a girl guide was getting to meet them. She said Harry responded: "What, waiting around at Government House in the cold?" and the couple both laughed.
Hundreds of people gathered outside barriers at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple on their only public walkabout in the capital.
The royal couple were greeted by thousands of cheering fans in Wellington. (Source: Other)
Harry and Meghan earlier arrived on the same plane as a number of competitors returning from Sydney's Invictus Games, which Harry founded in 2014. The games give sick and injured military personnel and veterans the opportunity to compete in sports such as wheelchair basketball.
Later that night, the royals met with Prime Minister Jacinda and National Party leader Simon Bridges at a reception at Government House to celebrate the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand.
Meghan Markle gave a passionate speech in front of Jacinda Ardern, Simon Bridges and other guests. (Source: Other)
While there, the Duchess said a speech. Within moments of stepping on stage, the royal drew applause from the crowd after greeting them in Te Reo Māori.
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