Harry & Meghan Meet the Kiwi Wilderness
Prince Harry sent a cheeky hello from “our little bump” to the conservation crew in the down‑under on Monday, while he and his pregnant wife, Meghan, toured a South Island nature reserve. The duo’s arrival at Abel Tasman National Park was greeted with a nod to ancient tradition: a conch shell blast followed by a warm Maori hug.
When the Weather Decided to Play Nice
- Picture this: heavy rain as the royal party tries to reach the park, but a surprise silver lining arrives in the form of a mild drizzle.
- Harry chuckled, “The forecast was a lot worse than this, so we’re very, very glad we made it.”
- He added, “The rain is a blessing on all of us… from my wife, myself and our little bump, we’re grateful to be here.”
- “We bring blessings from my grandmother, Her Majesty the Queen, and all of our family,” he quipped with a radiant smile.
Walks, Weka & Local Schoolmates
Hand‑in‑hand, the couple strolled the beach, pausing for a chat with Ranger Andrew Lamason.
- They spotted a weka—a flightless bird—and Lamason described it as “New Zealand’s version of a monkey” thanks to its cheeky antics.
- Later, they joined local kids for lunch. Milan Chapman, 15, from Motueka High, praised the royals as “very nice, chatty and relaxed.”
Cheers for Mental Health Champions
Earlier, Harry and Meghan took a breather at a beachside morning tea in Wellington to commend the mental‑health workers gathered at Maranui Café.
- Harry, sitting beside Meghan, declared, “I take my hat off to you guys.”
- He added, “Everyone needs someone to turn to, right?”
- Meghan, enjoying a cup of tea in a grey Club Monaco trench, chimed in, “You’re all doing really excellent work.”
Touring the Big Island & Beyond
Now, the pair is in New Zealand for the last stretch of a 16‑day whirlwind tour that has seen them visit Australia, Fiji and Tonga.
They’re also catching the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, an Olympic‑style competition for wounded veterans founded by Harry. At the closing ceremony, Harry revealed his own mental‑health battle and urged open conversation about anxiety, stress and depression.
Meghan’s Favorite Causes Take Center Stage
Meghan’s first royal tour post‑marriage includes a bold focus on female empowerment. After the Māori welcome in Wellington, she spoke at a reception celebrating 125 years since New Zealand granted women the vote.
She praised the country’s pioneering effort, noting, “Bravo New Zealand for championing this right 125 years ago – for the women who truly deserve an active voice and acknowledged vote, and for all of the people that this effort has paved the way for globally.”
With the landscape as their backdrop and a heart beating for people’s wellbeing, Harry and Meghan continue to spread love, support, and a touch of royal charm across the Southern Hemisphere.
