Prince Harry & Meghan Give Charming Names to New Kiwi Babies
During the last day of their whirlwind Pacific adventure, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped in Rotorua, New Zealand, to meet two adorable three‑day‑old kiwi chicks. They christened the fluffy lovers Koha—meaning “gift”—and Tihei, a poetic nod to the “sneeze of life” from the Māori tongue.
Royal Warm‑Up: A Traditional Te Aroha Performance
- Harry led a spirited sing‑along of “Te Aroha” (Love) at Te Papaiouru Marae, rattling the crowd with his booming Māori pronunciation.
- Mayor Steve Chadwick cheered the language revival, bragging that Rotorua’s bilingual vibe is “feeling the future.”
- It’s a place where the ancient meets the geothermal—the mayor calls it the “heartland of Māori culture.”
Fashion‑Forward Royals Make a Statement
Meghan decked out in a navy Stella McCartney dress and a carved greenstone necklace from the governor‑general, while Harry rocked a crisp grey suit. Both were wrapped in feathered cloaks gifted by local Māori artisans, adding a touch of green‑stone glamour to the day.
Beyond the Chick‑Naming Ceremony
- They stretched their toes over a redwood canopy and met the public in a heart‑warming walk‑about.
- A group of kids burst out the haka—yes, that iconic war dance—from the All Blacks—making the twins’ new‑born status feel extra heroic.
- A curious toddler tried to sneak up on Harry, but he smoothly redirected the little one back to his family. Pure royal empathy!
Looking Ahead: New Life on the Horizon
With their first child set to arrive in spring, the couple are preparing to head back to London on Thursday. Their 16‑day tour also touched down in Australia, Fiji, and Tonga, leaving behind a trail of kiwi chick names and a renewed passion for Māori language.
