EXPRESS.COK.UK/PACNEWS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Tonga for the next leg of their 16-day overseas tour which has already seen them visit Australia and Fiji.
Speaking at the reception and dinner with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u at Consular House, Harry read a personal message from Her Majesty, with the UK’s monarch reflecting on her Commonwealth reign in the touching note.
The message said: “Your Majesties, it gives me great pleasure that my grandson and his wife are visiting the Kingdom of Tonga.
“Our two families have enjoyed a deep and warm friendship over many years, and I hope that our close relationship continues with the next generation.
“To this day, I remember with fondness Queen Salote’s attendance at my own Coronation, while Prince Philip and I have cherished memories from our three wonderful visits to your country in 1953, 1970 and 1977.
“In the months and years ahead, I wish Your Majesties and the people of Tonga every good fortune and happiness.””
Harry went on to say thank you for the warm welcome he and Meghan received in Tonga.
He said: “We are deeply grateful to you all for welcoming Meghan and me to Tongatapu (the main island of Tonga) and to Your Majesties for making us feel at home here.”
The duke delighted guests by ending his speech with “malo ‘aupito”, Tongan for “thank you very much”.
And pregnant Meghan showed off a hint of her baby bump in a beautiful full-length white gown at the glitzy evening event.
It comes after the Queen first visited Tonga in 1953, during her whirlwind tour of the Commonwealth nations following her coronation in June that year.
And the duke and duchess have followed in the Queen’s footsteps on their first overseas tour, drawing comparisons to the UK’s longest serving monarch.
In Fiji, Meghan and Harry stepped out onto the balcony of the Grand Pacific Hotel, replicating the Queen’s balcony moment with Prince Philip in 1953.
The Queen and Philip had greeted royal well-wishers from the same spot 65 years ago during their visit to Fiji.
Kaniva news has a republication arrangements with PACNEWS.
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