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The Duchess of Sussex has congratulated New Zealand on becoming the first country in the world to allow women to vote 125 years ago, and said that effort had paved the way for others around the world.
Key points:
- The New Zealand trip is the final leg of Harry and Meghan's 16-day tour
- The couple were greeted with a Maori welcome
- Hundreds gathered outside barriers at a National War Memorial, hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple
"Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents," Meghan said.
"The basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future, and for your community."
Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, are on the final leg of their 16-day tour of the South Pacific, which has taken in four countries.
The Duchess, who describes herself as a feminist, was speaking to a group of mainly women guests in Wellington that included Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The globally-popular Ms Ardern marked her first year as the country's leader earlier this week, having formed government through a coalition deal that followed an inconclusive election.
Meghan was received with a big cheer when she opened her speech with a greeting in indigenous Maori.
The function was designed to celebrate the suffrage anniversary. Dame Patsy Reddy was also met with a cheer when she pointed out that she was the nation's third female governor-general and Ms Arden was the third female prime minister.
The event was delayed after a fire alarm, believed to have been triggered by an atomiser spreading air freshener in a bathroom, forced guests to briefly evacuate the building.
Earlier, the couple was greeted with an indigenous Maori welcome.
Harry and Meghan each performed a hongi with Maori elders, in which they pressed noses together to share a breath.
They were welcomed with traditional haka performances and a 21-gun salute at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
The couple are scheduled to spend four days in New Zealand, where they will go for a trail walk in a national park, meet young people training to be part of the film industry and visit a hatchery for the national bird, the kiwi.
At Government House, a group of children met the Royal couple. Minnie Newman, an 11-year-old from Kelburn Girl Guides, said she was impressed with Meghan.
"I love her dress and she was really pretty," Minnie said.
"She seems really nice and kind and would be good for royalty."
Greta Crowe, 11, said she told the couple that the best part of being a girl guide was getting to meet them. She said Harry responded, "What, waiting around at Government House in the cold?" and the couple both laughed.
Hundreds of people gathered outside barriers at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple on their only public walkabout in the capital.
The Royal couple flew from Australia on Sunday after closing the Invictus Games in Sydney last night and were accompanied by several Invictus Games athletes from New Zealand.
As well as Australia and New Zealand, the couple has also visited Fiji and Tonga on their first international Royal tour since marrying in May.
The New Zealand trip comes after the Royal couple packed plenty into their trip to Australia, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the Invictus Games, a visit to Queensland's Fraser Island and a ride on one of Melbourne's famous trams.
Along the way, Royal protocol took a back seat as beards were stroked, hugs were given and received and hearts were warmed during many memorable moments.
A Royal bun in the oven
If photos from Princes Eugenie's recent wedding didn't set tongues wagging about an impending baby announcement, photographs of the Duchess of Sussex touching down in Sydney carrying two large folders in front of her belly set the gossip machine in overdrive.
Just hours later, it was official. The Royal couple were expecting.
Twitter went into a spin with thousands rushing to congratulate the couple within minutes of the announcement.
Baby Sussex's first gift included miniature ugg boots and a stuffed kangaroo with joey.
Daphne steals another kiss
In her third meeting with Prince Harry, 98-year-old war widow Daphne Dunne, stole another kiss from the Duke of Sussex who commented affectionately on her pink dyed hair.
But it was the Duchess of Sussex who seemed dazzled during her lengthy chat with Daphne, repeatedly exclaiming "how sweet" before saying she hoped to introduce her to their "little one" next time they were in town.
Thousands joined Daphne at the Opera House hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple, although most viewed the occasion through their camera phones.
Feeling the vibe at Bondi
There's nothing like kicking off your shoes and walking along the sand of the iconic Bondi Beach to truly get into the spirit of an Australian visit.
Prince Harry and Meghan joined OneWave's fluro-clad "anti bad vibe circle" to talk about mental health issues.
They listened as participants spoke of their mental health struggles, before Prince Harry told them of his passion to break down the stigma around anxiety and depression.
And when the circle broke up they warmly accepted the farewell hugs from each members of the group.
Dubbo's darling wows the world
The Buninyong Public School student, who has Down Syndrome, charmed the socks off the Royal couple, even giving Prince Harry's ginger beard a gentle tug during an interaction that melted hearts across the world.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Dubbo to see first-hand the effects of the drought and to unveil a new Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft.
The prince also showed off his sense of humour, comically swatting flies away as Ruth Sandow gave a speech marking the event.
Budgie smugglers raise eyebrows
Prince Harry toed the Royal line when he politely declined to sign a pair of special Invictus Games budgie smugglers for members of the Australian team.
Damian Irish, who concocted the plan to snare the prince's autograph, said he was "a great guy" despite rejecting his request.
"He told us he'd love to sign them but he wasn't allowed to," Mr Irish said.
A hug for comfort
The main reason for the couple's visit was to open the Invictus Games, an event the former army captain created to help wounded, injured or sick armed servicemen and women in their physical and mental recovery.
Prince Harry climbed the Harbour Bridge's 1,332 steps with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Invictus Games ambassadors as the event's flag was raised high above Sydney.
But the most touching moment came on the descent, as he embraced Invictus Games ambassador Gwen Cherne, whose husband took his own life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
She later told media how much she appreciated the prince's interest in her story and his genuine support.
ABC/Wires
Topics: human-interest, royal-and-imperial-matters, bondi-beach-2026, sydney-2000, dubbo-2830, nsw, australia
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