The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have commenced their final day of the Royal Tour, visiting the lakeside town of Rotorua before travelling to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre’s kiwi bird breeding programme.
Harry and Meghan’s first stop was a powhiri and luncheon in Their Highnesses’ honour at Te Papaiouru Marae, where the royal couple were adorned with traditional garbs.
The Duke of Sussex was handed a carved weapon during the visit to Rotorua – and warned he should not take it to Twickenham when England play New Zealand.
Harry and Meghan entered into the Tamatekapua Meeting House both wearing a Maori cloak – called Korowai – which is intended to be a protector.
Meghan paired her traditional robe with a navy Stella McCartney dress.
Harry was given a tewhatewha, a Maori weapon with a point at one end and an axe at the other.
Trevor Maxwell, on the local district council, said: “I am sure you are going to Twickenham when the All Blacks play England on November 11 – make sure you don’t take that.”
Later in the afternoon, the couple will enjoy an afternoon walkabout meeting the public and travel to Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, a 700m-long walkway of suspension bridges to learn about the forest’s history.
MORE TO COME
