Prince Harry touchingly mentioned 'Our little bump' while sending messages of gratitude
Prince Harry and Meghan are making the last leg of their Down Under tour into a unique occasion.
On Monday, the two arrived in New Zealand at the Abel Tasman National Park. The welcome ceremony consisted of a performance from local Maori people doing a traditional pōwhiri welcome.
According to PEOPLE, there was dancing, conch shell blowing, and a special greeting called the hongi in which Harry and Markle rubbed noses with their hosts.
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WATCH: #meghan has perfected her hongi as she greets the Maori people of Abel Tasman pic.twitter.com/EPxTHwto1J
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 29, 2018
Markle has come to perfect the hongi after last month. We saw when she did it at the "Oceania" opening in the Royal Academy of Arts.
Once all this was done. Harry gave a short thank you speech which had a twist for fans:
"From myself and my wife and our little bump, we are so grateful to be here."
It was quite rainy on Abel Tasman as Harry & Meghan arrived and walked onto the grass canopy for the welcome ceremony pic.twitter.com/BOZKclxnR7
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 29, 2018
The two had announced their upcoming baby on the first day of their Australian tour. Now, it appears to be part of their everyday conversation with the public.
Harry continued:
"We bring blessings from my grandmother the Queen and our family. We are so grateful for your hospitality and the work to look after this beautiful place."
Gorgeous pix from Tim Rooke in Abel Tasman where Harry said:”From myself, my wife & our little bump, we are so grateful to be here.
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 29, 2018
“We bring blessings from my grandmother the Queen & our family.We are so grateful for your hospitality & the workto look after this beautiful place” pic.twitter.com/zAt35A5dSL
Markle is now about four months along. The baby is due in Spring 2019. Barney Thomas, the tribal leader, also known as the local kaumatua, said:
"There's two of you now and there will be three of you soon, and I'm sure you'll be supported."
He mentioned the two's busy tour which Markle took a rest from early last week:
"We've been watching your progress on tour and we wouldn't want to be Royals."
Prince Harry Thanks New Zealand Fans on Behalf of 'Myself, My Wife and Our Little Bump' https://t.co/LIvxif2ASH
— People (@people) October 29, 2018
Markle, who has not been the primary speaker at the tour's events, gave her first speech last week at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. There, she mentioned a few personal stories that would inspire students.
Officials informed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about conservation practices for the park. The pair were also introduced to a small flightless bird called a weka.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, where they learned more about its local conservation programmes with @docgovtnz Ranger Andrew Lamason. #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/O3xu8JbXMN
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 29, 2018
They were supposed to plant a tree for the event but the weather undermined that plan and it couldn't be done.
Markle and Henry received several gifts including a painting of a local bird by Robin Slow. The animal, called a Tui, was replicated thrice on the painting to represent Harry, Markle, and their "little bump."
The Duke and Duchess visited Totaranui, a 1km-long golden sands beach in Abel Tasman National Park, which is managed by @docgovtnz, who work with community and school groups to educate them on conservation 🍃 #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/AmwwFuPrwu
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 29, 2018
The pair visited the Government House where Markle wore a black knee length dress. Later she added a Karen Walked trench coat to her look. Her husband was donned in a grey suit.
They will go on to attend a reception as guests of the Governor General. The reception will honor women's suffrage. The nation granted women voting rights first in the world and it is their 125th anniversary.
