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British RoyalsThe Sussexes

Duchess Down Under: Meghan in Karen Walker on first day in Wellington

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a busy day in Wellington, New Zealand, after departing from Sydney on Sunday morning.

After arriving at the Wellington Airport and posing with the New Zealander Invictus athletes, the couple travelled to Government House for an official welcome ceremony then visited the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to lay ferns on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The couple then held separate calls with the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, before attending a reception at Government House to celebrate the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.

For their departure in Sydney, Meghan wore a burgundy belted dress by Hugo Boss and repeated her accessories – jewellery, handbag and shoes – from the previous night’s closing ceremonies.

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For their arrival in Wellington, and for the afternoon events, Meghan wore a brown plaid trench coat by Karen Walker, a New Zealand designer, over a black ASOS maternity dress. Her shoes were Sarah Flint pumps with an animal print heel, and her earrings were Birks citrine and diamond drop earrings.

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For the evening events, Meghan wore a navy dress by Gabriela Hearst, customised from its original thin strap neckline to include cap sleeves. She wore a new diamond necklace, the Tattoo Diamond Pendant, by jeweller Jessica McCormick; and Birks diamond earrings.

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Harry and Meghan continue their tour on Monday with engagements in Wellington and Abel Tasman National Park.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.