Harry & Meghan Days 12, 13, 14: Feminism, photography, and another walk on the beach 

Two more days to go. As you know, by all accounts, the Sussexes’ first overseas tour has been a smash hit. Exactly two weeks ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Australia and announced that they’re expecting their first child. From there it’s been an ambitious schedule of events taking them to four countries with countless walkabouts and meetings and visits with local entrepreneurs and activists. This weekend, Harry and Meghan wrapped up the Invictus Games in Sydney where they both spoke. But first… a photo taken by Royal Meghan herself and posted to the official Instagram account they share with Prince William and Catherine: 

Harry’s photos from the plane were also posted to Instastory.

The Sussexes are now in New Zealand where they received another warm welcome from the crowds gathered to greet them, some of them waiting as long as nine hours. After arriving, Harry and Meghan attended a reception at Government House and Meghan gave a speech commemorating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. 

It’s her third speech of the trip and, once again, at both Invictus and in New Zealand, she’s putting on display the value-added that she brings to the royal family. She’s comfortable up there, there’s never any hesitation, any awkwardness, nor does she ever sound over-rehearsed. If they’re smart, it’s a skill they’ll continue to lean on as they maximise on their popularity, a benefit to both their own brand and the larger royal brand. Even more important, note too that Royal Meghan is comfortable with using and associating herself with the “f” word, “feminism”. It’s highlighted on her official royal family page. “Feminism” isn’t a word that often shows up in royal remarks. In some circles it’s a dirty word. It’s a word that has been politicised. Which is bullsh-t. Equality is not political. Human rights is not political. When Meghan Markle speaks freely about feminism, with her platform, in her position, she is normalising the language, as an example to and encouragement of others to do the same. 

I wonder then if the black dress she chose to wear on the occasion was a nod to the Time’s Up blackout that we saw at the beginning of the year? It’s probably my favourite dress that she’s worn on the tour. That cap sleeve is so pretty. 

So far in New Zealand we’ve seen formal and casual from Royal Meghan. She and Harry spent part of their day today at Abel Tasman National Park to learn about conservation initiatives and there was another beach walk. A rainy beach walk, in sneakers. I love these shots. My God they are photogenic, non?