Meghan and Harry Attends State Dinner in Fiji

After their arrival in Fiji earlier today, attending a welcome ceremony, Meghan and Harry changed into formal wear for a state dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Another shot from their arrival

Meghan and Harry arrived in Fiji earlier today for a two-day stay. This is Meghan’s first state dinner since her marriage – hosted by President of Fiji, Jioji Konrote. The couple visited him and his wife at Borron Park, his official residence, upon arrival.

Below, a picture of Harry and Meghan meeting guests and officials.

Meghan and Harry arrived in Fiji earlier today for a two-day stay. This is Meghan’s first state dinner since her marriage – hosted by President of Fiji, Jioji Konrote. The couple visited him and his wife at Borron Park, his official residence, upon arrival.

Below, a picture of Harry and Meghan meeting guests and officials.

Harry gave a speech during the dinner, describing how he and Meghan were “overwhelmed by the warm Fijian welcome we 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.”

Harry also mentioned his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Philip, recalling how they stayed at the same place as them on multiple occasions during their visits.

Harry added, “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. We share Commonwealth values and common goals – a love of rugby and a sense of humor! Our ties run deep. Your soldiers fought with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars and continue to serve alongside our soldiers to this day, with more than 1,250 Fijians currently serving. I must emphasize 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.”

The invitations to the dinner:

President Jioji Konrote also gave a speech at the dinner, where he reffered to Harry’s mother, Princess Diana saying that she would have been very proud of Harry, the man he has become, and the happiness he found in Meghan.

During the dinner, Prince Harry really proved he’s the ultimate gentleman and most caring husband. When it came time for Harry and Meghan to raise a toast at the state dinner, Harry skipped an alcoholic beverage in favor of H2O, in solidarity with Meghan who was drinking water.

Cheers!

Today’s state dinner took place at Grand Pacific Hotel in the city of Suva, where Harry and Meghan are staying throughout their visit.

Built in 1914, the Grand Pacific Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Fiji. It’s been renovated though the years, but it retains many of its original colonial architectural designs.

The hotel has welcomed many famous guests and historical figures thought-out the years. In 1915 Dame Nellie Melba visited while Sir Charles Kingsford Smith landed the “Southern Cross” opposite in Albert Park on his flight across the Pacific in 1928.

As for the royal family, Edward Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) in 1920, the Duke of York (later King George VI) in 1927. The Queen attended a Grand Ball held in her honour in December 1953, and visited again in 1973 when a state dinner was held in the dining room.

Tonight, we saw Meghan wearing a gown for the first time since she got married – and she stunned. Her dress was the Safiyaa Ginkgo Cape Dress in Fijian blue, worn in tribute to the country.

The label was founded in 2011 and describes itself as: “timeless, chic, bespoke.” Its brand philosophy reads: “Safiyaa celebrates femininity and all that makes a woman beautiful with unapologetic confidence.”

Even though Meghan didn’t wear a tiara to the state dinner, she apparently borrowed her stunning diamond earrings from a member of the royal family (Per royal commentator Emily Andrews), rumored to be The Queens.

She accessorized the outfit with diamond bracelet that belonged to Diana.

Tomorrow’s schedule:

• Harry will start the morning by laying a wreath at the Fiji War Memorial.

• Meghan and Harry will then visit the University of South Pacific campus is Suva.

• They will go solo, with Harry will stopping by Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, an indigenous forest site, for its dedication to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

• Meanwhile, Meghan will attend morning tea at the British High Commissioner’s Residence to explore women’s organizations in Fiji. She’ll also learn about a UN Women’s project, Markets for Change, which promotes women’s empowerment across the Pacific. Later, she’ll travel to Suva Market to meet female vendors involved in the project.