Royals begin Fiji tour

The royal couple wave to the crowd on the balcony of the Grand Pacific Hotel. Picture: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

A large crowd gathered at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus this morning to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

During the State Dinner hosted by President Jioji Konrote at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva last night, the Duke of Sussex said they looked forward to meeting students at USP and young leaders from all walks of life.

“The health and sustainability of this planet depends on the younger generation, and they are full of optimism so let’s listen to them,” Prince Harry said at the reception gala.

“I’m very glad that the British Government is increasing its support for Fiji and the region, and we are proud of the long-standing collaboration between the UK and Fiji on climate change; and in fact, the UK just hosted its own talanoa on climate change across Great Britain earlier this month.

“We look to Fiji to provide leadership on environmental issues which affect all of us, and that have been affecting you as an island nation for many, many years.”

The royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with President Jioji Konrote and First Lady Sarote and Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni, left. Picture: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

Prince Harry said it was a great pleasure for them to be guests on their first visit to Fiji.

He said they were overwhelmed by the warm Fijian welcome they received from “the people of these beautiful islands this afternoon in Albert Park, and all the way from the airport”.

“It really is a privilege to be here. As you know, Fiji has a long tradition of welcoming Royal visitors over the years and our two countries have enjoyed a close relationship and friendship,” he shared.

“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.

“This visit is particularly nostalgic for us as a young married couple – my grandparents stayed in this very hotel, the Grand Pacific, a number of times over the years. But this visit is also an opportunity to learn more about the future of Fiji, your economic growth, sustainable tourism development and social enterprises.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in Fiji over the next three days as part of their royal 16-day tour, which will see them also travel to New Zealand, Tonga and Australia. Below is a snapshot of their itinerary in Fiji:

October 23: The royal highnesses are greeted by a guard of honour at the Nausori International Airport. They then attended the official welcome ceremony at Albert Park and later the State dinner and reception at Grand Pacific Hotel hosted by the President. The couple also made a balcony appearance.

October 24: The Duke of Sussex would lay a wreath at the War Memorial and meet Fijian war veterans including British Army veterans. The couple would then visit USP where they would observe a cultural performance on the effects of climate change before meeting students. The Duke would then travel to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park where he would plant a tree and unveil a plaque to mark its dedication. The Duchess would head to the British High Commissioner’s residence for morning tea event to showcase women’s organisations operating in Fiji. She would then travel to the Suva Municipal Market to meet some female vendors.

October 25: Final official engagement. The royal couple will travel to Nadi to attend a special event at the Nadi International Airport and unveil a statue commemorating Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba, a British-Fijian soldier who lost his life in the 1972 Battle of Mirbat.

Prince Harry inspects the guard of honour which greeted him and wife Meghan at Nausori International Airport. Picture: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

The royal couple with President Jioji Konrote and First Lady Sarote. Picture: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

The USP community await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex today. Picture: WANSOLWARA