Harry & Meghan: Tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand - October 2018


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How hard can it be? Can you imagine being surrounded by crowds? Also, I attended the Invictus games in Orlando and many of the participants are severely disabled. It is uplifting but also emotionally draining. Also, aren't they expected to attend church?


I know that I would be awful in front of the large crowds H&M are attracting. Add the crowds, the names of people you have to remember, the protocol during official events and the constant scrutiny of every microsecond...this is NOT my idea of a vacation. It is diplomacy and it takes a certain aptitude and skill set to be good at it. Its not just meeting people and smiling.
 
The tabloid press did that to the Cambridges and the Prince of Wales and DoC, too. It's not unique to the Sussexes, and the royal family for the most part ignore it and just move along, taking rest days as needed.

Most reasonable people accept that the royals are not equipped with batteries that never run down and will need time to rest.




Yes I remember how they talked about their rest days. I think it might have affected the Sussex's decision not to take a rest day. I think they should of taken at least two days in spite of the lies from the press.


In addition to mental health, I think self care is a part of mental health. Sometimes you need to take a short break.
 
Yes I remember how they talked about their rest days. I think it might have affected the Sussex's decision not to take a rest day. I think they should of taken at least two days in spite of the lies from the press.


In addition to mental health, I think self care is a part of mental health. Sometimes you need to take a short break.

Doubt it had anything to do with the press. Charles and Camilla’s tour starts right after. They only had so many days for this tour. This also isn’t just an official tour, they are trying to fit some IG stuff in as well.
 
Harry & Meghan: Tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand - October 2018

How hard can it be? Can you imagine being surrounded by crowds? Also, I attended the Invictus games in Orlando and many of the participants are severely disabled. It is uplifting but also emotionally draining. Also, aren't they expected to attend church?



And you have to be “on” the entire time. Mentally and physically. There’s obviously a lot of standing and walking. Which gets tiring. Talking to various people- whether it is connecting/talking with the people in crowds or talking to- and being prepared to talk to- all the people you’re officially meeting. That’s draining.

There’s so much prep we don’t see. Like speech prep. I really liked that BTS photo of Harry practicing his speech. It’s a reminder of all the work that goes into this that we don’t see. Most people have to practice speeches. They can’t wing it. I sure can’t. That’s one more thing they have to do.

Not to mention being properly and perfectly dressed for every occasion- especially for women- clothes, hair, make up, jewelry. Even with help- it’s a lot of work.

It all sounds exhausting to me.

Honestly most of my vacations are draining. Especially if I’m going to Europe. I’m usually running around trying to cram it all in. Involves a ton of walking, standing and focusing on what I’m doing, not to mention traveling from one city/country to the next. In short- fun, yet exhausting. And I’m not trying to be dressed perfectly at all times, be “on” with every person I see, and be ready to talk constructively on a variety of topics. And I’m not standing in heels either. Or getting followed around by the press and crowds of people. Lol

So- just in comparing my vacation to royal tours, I’m sure everyone is quite tired who is on this.
 
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Even the royal correspondents are saying how tired they are. Emily flatout said first 4 days felt like 4 weeks. I’m sure they have work to do after events, but they are also not going to every event and have to show up with makeup and hair all done.
 
I’ve noticed that the royal media and some royal watchers online aren’t that empathetic to pregnant royal women. They expect them to carry a child and build a house at the same time.

I love the fact that Meghan is slowing down just a bit to get some rest on this constant on the move royal tour.
 
Even the royal correspondents are saying how tired they are. Emily flatout said first 4 days felt like 4 weeks. I’m sure they have work to do after events, but they are also not going to every event and have to show up with makeup and hair all done.



I feel like that says it all. They’re tired too. And they don’t have to interact with all the people or be perfectly put together.

I’m sure they have plenty of before and after events work too.
 
Has anyone found any pictures or confirmation that Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark is at the Invictus Games with the couple?

I've seen it reported in a few articles that Crown Prince Fredrick joined the couple to see the sailing competition but I have yet to see video or photos of him there.
 
When I think of the heavy schedule for this tour, I think that Sheldon from Big Bang Theory would be over the moon about it. He's a big stickler for scheduling things y'know. Most people don't realize this but if they're on a event and arrive at 11:43, meet and greet until 12:10 with lunch from 12:15 to 12:45 etc, they have people to nudge them to keep on schedule. We saw them commentating on TV how far behind schedule they were because of that accident.

Where does Sheldon come in really? He's great for bathroom times. When Harry and Meghan are on the clock at these places, they can't just say "excuse me" and head off to the bathroom. They're not heading back to Admiralty House just to change their clothes. I've often wondered if their RPOs or assistants ask them "Do you think you should go before we leave ma'am (or sir) to be on the safe side?"

I can't remember where exactly I read it but contingencies are drawn up in case a royal needs to use the loo during an engagement. Its an area that is super checked out, emptied and has RPO stationed at the door when in use. You never hear of it though. At least I have never, to this day, heard that the royal has left the room to use the "facilities". Having been pregnant 4 times in my lifetime, the "facilities" and pregnancy go hand in hand. A lot. :D

How hard can it be? ? Very hard when you take little things normally not thought of into consideration.
 
We don't know yet if Meghan will attend some engagements or none on Fraser Island? It was not announced yet? But she will go with Harry since they will sleep on the island correct? I hope she is fine, her health and baby comes first.
 
We don't know yet if Meghan will attend some engagements or none on Fraser Island? It was not announced yet? But she will go with Harry since they will sleep on the island correct? I hope she is fine, her health and baby comes first.

There are conflicting reports on this right now. Although either way, she won't attend most of them. Some RRs that's been there before have expressed concern over the uneven terrain they'll have to travel though in addition to give her a break before Fiji.

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As reported earlier Harry wants Meghan to “pace herself” Royal sources have said Fraser Island is “challenging terrain” so we will see how much she’s up to later-Mom & baby’s health most important It is a grueling schedule and she has done magnificently #DukeandDuchessOfSussex

 
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Sunny clear day forecast on Fraser Island today. They had a storm last night so the island will be nice and fresh.
Would be great if Meghan while resting at Kingfisher Bay resort gets to see migrating whales go past. The annual migration is nearly over, however they come past quite close to the coast. To see breaching whales splashing and rising vertically from the water is quite a sight.
In places the white sand is so fine it squeaks as you walk on it.
 
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Sun Lion,

Megsie indicated on Friday that once baby Sussex is born, she would love to come back to Aus, and have a holiday intertwined with some royal duties.


Thanks Axeyman - I missed that.

I'm already looking forward to it! :lol:


TV schedule has been updated - Channel 9 has two dedicated "specials" today for the Fraser Island visit - 11.30 till 12.30 and again between 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

And just announced by Channel 9 that Kennsington Palace has confirmed that Meghan will be leaving all public engagements on Fraser up to Harry alone today.

Karl Stefanovic already doing live crosses from the excited locals.

The couple will be flying to Hervey Bay, and then taking a boat across to Fraser.

Maybe we will see Meghan on that long, long, long jetty.

Have a great tour day everyone.


And sorry Fros - no sign of Frederik yet, though there were some radio reports of him sailing about yesterday. (But I think we would have a photo or two if that was actually the case. Time will tell I guess.)
 
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We have been worried about the Fiji and Tonga visits and the affects of the zika virus. Just found this article.
https://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2018-10-zika-pacific-meghan.html
But WHO said the most recent case of the mosquito-borne virus in Fiji was in 2017 and there had been no recorded cases in Tonga since 2016.

"At the moment, there is really no evidence of a Zika virus outbreak in Fiji," Dr Angela Merianos, a Suva-based communicable diseases specialist with WHO told AFP.

She said the situation was similar in Tonga, adding: "Overall, the risk is low and there lots of things that you can do to decrease that risk even further."

I could well imagine that the palace and the FCO has kept a close eye on the situation in Fiji and Tonga especially with Meghan being pregnant.
 
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I imagine the people of Fraser Island are disappointed but if that terrain is that rough she needs to think of herself and the baby. They need to rethink Fiji and Tonga because of Zika.
 
I imagine the people of Fraser Island are disappointed but if that terrain is that rough she needs to think of herself and the baby. They need to rethink Fiji and Tonga because of Zika.

Not only Zika but as women seem to attract mosquitoes even more when they are pregnant, there's a higher risk of any mosquito transmitted disease.

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-true-that-mosquitoes-prefer-pregnant-women_10323711.bc

On the lighter side of things, the Duke of Edinburgh once stated on a tour of the Caribbean that "you have mosquitoes, I have the press". In this regards Meghan has both surrounding her on this tour. :D
 
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Meghan and Harry’s ott pda hasn’t escaped the attention of Amanda Platell and the DM:

“Yes she’s joyfully pregnant, yes it’s her first big tour with Harry, but does Meghan have to cling on to her husband constantly as if her life depended upon it?”
 
Meghan and Harry’s ott pda hasn’t escaped the attention of Amanda Platell and the DM:

“Yes she’s joyfully pregnant, yes it’s her first big tour with Harry, but does Meghan have to cling on to her husband constantly as if her life depended upon it?”

Hardly OTT.

And Amanda continues her brand of being bitter and petty ?
 
Meghan and Harry’s ott pda hasn’t escaped the attention of Amanda Platell and the DM:

“Yes she’s joyfully pregnant, yes it’s her first big tour with Harry, but does Meghan have to cling on to her husband constantly as if her life depended upon it?”

I find it extremely sexist for anyone to put this on the woman. Harry reaches for her just as much, if not more. But somehow it's her "clinging" to him. Is it that shocking to people that a husband and wife might want to hold hands or put their arms around each other?
 
I absolutely love Megsies and Harrys PDA. Hope they continue with it.

Thanks Axeyman - I missed that.

I'm already looking forward to it! :lol:


TV schedule has been updated - Channel 9 has two dedicated "specials" today for the Fraser Island visit - 11.30 till 12.30 and again between 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

And just announced by Channel 9 that Kennsington Palace has confirmed that Meghan will be leaving all public engagements on Fraser up to Harry alone today.

Karl Stefanovic already doing live crosses from the excited locals.

The couple will be flying to Hervey Bay, and then taking a boat across to Fraser.

Maybe we will see Meghan on that long, long, long jetty.

Have a great tour day everyone.


And sorry Fros - no sign of Frederik yet, though there were some radio reports of him sailing about yesterday. (But I think we would have a photo or two if that was actually the case. Time will tell I guess.)

Sun Lion,

There is a meet and greet after the jetty engagement I believe. Hopefully we will see Megsie there.
 
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This morning they fly into Hervey Bay then Harry will take a boat across to Fraser Island. Not 100% sure if Meghan will go as well. If she stays behind in Hervey Bay there is always the chance for her to see whales going past.

Harrys first engagement is at midday.
The rainforest is the only one in the world that grows out of sand.
It was logged after the war, some of the big trees replaced the pylons damaged during the war at Canary wharf London.
For many decades there were wild horses living on the island until they were removed some time ago.
 
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Meghan's critics are disappointed the tour is a success so far and I guess they hoped she would fall flat on her face. I imagine part of the entourage is an OB/GYN who is looking out for her but they are not saying. Meghan should tune out the noise, put her feet up and have Harry rub them.
 
I absolutely love Megsies and Harrys PDA. Hope they continue with it.

I do too. Its so open and loving and seems so natural, it puts in mind for me that its almost childlike in its innocence. Two best friends that love being attached to each other without qualms and without restraint. They did say in their marriage vows that they took each other to have and to hold. Harry and Meghan seem to do this every chance they get and I love it. :D
 
Meghan and Harry’s ott pda hasn’t escaped the attention of Amanda Platell and the DM:

“Yes she’s joyfully pregnant, yes it’s her first big tour with Harry, but does Meghan have to cling on to her husband constantly as if her life depended upon it?”

They love each other and are still newlyweds. It's not like everyone is saying "just get a room already."
 
Sun Lion,

There is a meet and greet after the jetty engagement I believe. Hopefully we will see Megsie there.


I would like to see her - she has to get from the jetty to the resort, so I hope it happens.

Thanks again Axeyman.
 
Ya know..it's like the media has no idea who Harry is...he's always been open with his emotions and affectionate with people. Did they expect him to marry and all the sudden become reserved and non-demonstrative?




LaRae
 
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