Meghan Markle shows off growing baby bump in regal blue dress with cape while in Fiji with husband

The Duchess of Sussex is beginning to show in her pregnancy and looked glorious while cradling her bump yesterday in a flowing blue dress and matching cape.

Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex attended a state dinner hosted in their honor on Tuesday by the president of Fiji, Jioji Konrote.

The elaborate black-tie affair was attended by dignitaries and high profile personalities in the South Pacific nation, and Harry and Meghan made sure to look their best.

RESPECTFUL ROYAL

The Duchess looked splendid in a blue “Safiyaa” cape dress that rode all the way to the floor and gave the clearest view of her baby bump so far. She wore her hair down in loose waves and accessorized with long, diamond earrings. Various sources have also claimed that Meghan’s Fijian Blue outfit is a respectful nod to their hosts.

Meghan and Harry looked every inch the royal couple as they descended the stairs at the Grand Pacific Hotel where the dinner was held. Harry looked equally dapper in a black tuxedo showcasing his medals and held hands with his pregnant wife.

A REFERENCE TO DIANA

Fiji's president, Jioji Konrote, gave a moving speech in which he paid tribute to Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. He said he was sure Diana would be "proud of the man" the Duke had become and that he had found happiness and love with Meghan.

On his part, Harry mentioned how he and his wife were overwhelmed by the welcome they received and said, “It really is a privilege to be here.”

He added:

“We share Commonwealth values and common goals - a love of rugby and a sense of humour! Our ties run deep. … 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.”

During the dinner, The Royal couple also met with First Lady Sarote Konrote and Speaker to the Fiji Parliament, Dr. Jiko Luveni.

BABY COMES FIRST

Meanwhile, Meghan noticeably cradled her growing bump throughout the event, and Daily Mail reports that royal fans also praised the prince for supporting his wife by joining in her “water toast” instead of using alcohol.

Meghan and Harry arrived Fiji earlier on Tuesday, the latest stop in their 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand.

The couple was treated to a traditional “Veiqaravi Vakavanua” welcome ceremony, and even though Meghan has had to hold back from some engagements due to her pregnancy, she seemed to enjoy the warm celebration.

HARRY WANTS A GIRL

We reported earlier this week that Prince Harry hinted at his preferred gender for their unborn child during a cycling event at the Invictus Games on Sunday. When a fan yelled: “I hope it’s a girl!” the father-to-be replied, “So do I.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will however not be seeking a royal title for their child as they are determined to have their first offspring lead a “relatively normal life.”