Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Fiji for the next leg of their first royal tour together, and their visit has recalled Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s own visit to the country in 1953.
Royal commentator Omid Scobie pointed out a significant comparison with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s appearance at the Grand Pacific Hotel, tweeting: “History repeating itself. Harry and Meghan’s balcony appearance at the @Grand_Pac_Hotel this evening and the Queen and Prince Philip’s,” which took place on December 28, 1953.
PEOPLE explains Queen Elizabeth II visited Fiji following her 1953 Coronation and her husband Prince Philip traveled with her.
A ball was held in the Queen’s honour to celebrate the news of her Coronation, so Her Majesty and Philip took to the hotel balcony to acknowledge with fans who’d gathered below. The publication also notes that the Queen has stayed at the Grand Pacific Hotel on several occasions, making a visit there somewhat of a royal tradition.
Just like in 1953, fans gathered outside the Grand Pacific Hotel to congratulate Harry and Meghan on their pregnancy.
On October 24, Harry and Meghan will start the day by laying a wreath at the Fiji War Memorial and then will meet Fijian war veterans, some who have served with the British Armed Forces.
The couple will then visit University of the South Pacific campus in Suva and the Duchess will give a speech. The Duke will then travel to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park while The Duchess heads to the British High Commissioner’s Residence where she will later travel to Suva Market to meet female vendors.
