Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s royal tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand is nearly here, and we must admit we’re brimming with excitement.
We can’t wait to see the Duke and Duchess take part in some Kiwi activities (check out our detailed look at Harry and Meghan’s New Zealand royal tour itinerary) on the pair’s first international royal tour.
As with any royal tour, Harry and Meghan will be very busy with various engagements. So we have no doubt that Meghan Markle will have had extensive ‘royal protocol’ training before she and Harry depart for the first stop on their itinerary – Sydney, Australia, for the Invictus Games.
Ted Powell, historian and author of King Edward VIII: An American Life, says Meghan would have begun learning all about the tangled world of royal rules and protocol when she became engaged to Prince Harry in November 2017.
“This [royal protcol training] will have covered everything from which knife to use for the fish course at dinner to how to address a Head of State. Her head must be spinning with advice about the ‘dos and don’ts’ of life as a royal princess.
“What will be most difficult for Meghan will be remembering not to say anything controversial. Occasionally since the wedding she has resembled a robotic ‘Stepford Wife’ on public outings, all too conscious that the world is watching for any mishaps or malfunctions.
“The ridiculous furore on social media recently about whether she was right to close her own car door, reveals how easily the royals can attract controversy even on seemingly trivial issues.”
All eyes will be on Meghan during her visit to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Meghan Markle’s first royal tour
So what should the Duchess of Sussex be mindful of on her first royal tour? Ted says Meghan will need to be careful as she may outshine her husband! Which is hard not to do when you’re as confident and charming as Meghan…
“Meghan will be surrounded by her team of advisers on the tour, and she will of course have Harry to show her how it is done. Her biggest issue will be trying not to overshadow Harry totally on the tour!
“She is the big news and everyone will want to meet her. Harry may find himself in the unusual position of not being the centre of attraction, in the same way that his father Prince Charles was always outshone by Princess Diana when they went on tour together.”
Harry and Meghan’s royal itinerary
Meghan will certainly accompany her husband to various Invictus Games events, but we’re really excited to see that Meghan has scheduled some solo visits during the tour to explore issues and activities that are important to her.
“The central purpose of the tour is of course for the royal couple to attend the Invictus Games in Sydney, and they will be present at the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as catching some of the events. Their other main activities will centre round their key interests, such as youth leadership and environmental and conservation projects,” says Powell.
“The tour also includes several engagements which reflect Meghan’s own identity and interests, so that she won’t just be travelling as the wife of Prince Harry. For example, in Australia the couple will be attending a performance of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, an indigenous Australian contemporary dance company.
“In Fiji the Duchess will carry out a solo engagement to learn about a UN project encouraging business enterprise among Fijian women. But of course the highlight of the tour for all concerned will be the ‘welly-wanging’ competition with local children in Auckland!”
We’re really proud of the way Meghan is speaking up for causes important to her – who could forget the time she advocated for women’s empowerment at the Royal Foundation Forum?
Hopefully we’ll see Meghan shine light on some really worthy causes during her visit to New Zealand. Goodluck on your first royal tour Meghan!
Ted Powell is a historian and author. His new book King Edward VIII: An American Life, published by Oxford University Press is out now, available in hardback and ebook.
