A pair of adorable children offered pregnant Meghan Markle – now the Duchess of Sussex – free hugs as she stepped out with Prince Harry in Tonga on Oct. 26.
The Duke and Duchess were on their way to meet the Tongan Prime Minister at the St George Government Building in the nation’s capital.
Meghan wore a $1595 Martin Grant maxi dress in green and white stripes for the meeting.
As the couple entered, one child held a sign saying “free hugs”, which Meghan spotted and smiled at.
While pregnant Meghan watched on, Prince Harry bent down and hugged one child close.
The couple then took the lift to meet the prime minister, with Harry asking: “Did you enjoy last night? The entertainment was very good.”
Later the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had floral garlands placed round their necks as they arrived for a noisy celebration of Tongan youth and culture.
Harry and Meghan joined Princess Angelika and Prince Ata, King’s Tupou VI’s son and daughter, at the Fa’onelua Centre, showing products such as traditional mats and ‘tapa’ cloth, carvings, bracelets made from whale bone and wood.
Inside, they sat on two throne-like chairs in the centre of the room, while Princess Angelika delivered a short address and called the couple “an inspiration to the youth of the Commonwealth” for “shining a light on youth empowerment”.
She said: “Your visit today draws attention to the fundamentals of today’s youth, youth leadership, youth empowerment and addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges of our region.
“Your visits inspires and has been an inspiration for the youth of Tonga to be the best they can be.
“You are a beacon of hope to us all.”
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