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


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Osipi said:
What came to mind for me, jacqui, when you were talking about the different demeanors that Harry presents for different occasions when they're called for put me in mind of a specific occasion where it was very bluntly proven.

It was a photo op when the then President of the United States and his First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama were having a visit with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at Kensington Palace. We all remember that occasion as Prince George of Cambridge was present in his pajamas and bathrobe and photographed with the rocking horse the Obamas had gifted to the little prince.

What stood out for me was the quip made by little George. "Why is Uncle Harry being so quiet?". That's it in a nutshell. Harry knows very well how to act as different occasions call for. Harry as an uncle on private time is rambunctious with the kids. Harry on walkabout is about the people and interacting with them. Harry as a more "official prince" knows how to present himself as such.

This tells me that Harry and Meghan's child will grow up from early on to know when to use the "inside" voice and "outside" voice and to use the "on display" voice (or demeanor). Charlotte already has this down pat if you ask me. :lol:
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Except when Charlotte tells reporters 'your'e not coming' to their lunch etc after an event :D


LaRae
 
Terri Terri said:
if they left New Zealand on Thursday afternoon, I don't think they would have arrived back in the UK as yet, right?
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They should be. Thursday afternoon is early morning Thursday in London. It's now afternoon on Friday. They should've arrived early Friday.
 
Pranter said:
Except when Charlotte tells reporters 'your'e not coming' to their lunch etc after an event :D


LaRae
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See... she's got it down pat what is and what is not. If Charlotte can do it, so can Harry. He's got more years under his belt than she does. ?
 
Excellent article, by Omid Scobie, summarizing The Sussexes tour!

What It's Like to Go on Tour with Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan.

“During their travels, Meghan gave three formal speeches (more than any other royal consort has done on tour), all carried out flawlessly as she championed female empowerment and equal rights and gave support for the Armed Forces”.

“I was even more impressed when Harry allowed me to pull up a chair and listen as he and Meghan discussed the negative effects of social media and online gaming with other young people”.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celeb...rince-harry-australia-tour-behind-the-scenes/
 
The biggest complaint I've seen for this very successful tour is that it's was a much more fluffier tour than a diplomatic one which I agree with I believe some of it was made worse by the royals and KP actions.

The lack of historic or cultural events in the Australian leg that always needs to be an important theme at the centre of tours. (Wehave already discussed the lack of Invictus which we can all agree on)

The use of social media: I think this tour gave us our first insight on what a future Sussex social media page and I am afraid it's a but more of a personal account rather than a professional one it doesn't do enough to promote the causes and people they are meeting and some of the pictures they posted were too personal and there were many events they just didn't post anything about which is a huge disservice for the organizations they are taking the time to meet if they also don't promote them on their social media. (I think the couples' balance of professional vs personal/private needs more work)


Meghan's is off to a great start in giving speeches in her royal career but it's painfully obvious she is still writing a lot of them and seem very much like her speeches from her previous career.

It was great that Meghan talked about her struggle to pay for education but she didn't mention anything about Fijianians or provide any insight or facts about the education system there. Her speeches do not do enough to promote and pay tribute to the country they are visiting or their history. (Meghan's speech in New Zealand was my favourite speech it paid tribute to New Zealand's history and their historical figures, thanked new Zealand for leading the way and she used some of the native language)
 
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I prefer the more relaxed, easy going, interacting with the people vibe much more than I would a stiffer, more "professional", official type of a tour. That's just me though. I've noticed that even Charles and Camilla are much more relaxed and easy going on tours than tours used to be.

Harry and Meghan did know when it was time to act the diplomatic, professional visitors when it was called for but to have an entire trip structured like that would really take the wind out of the sails of the tour for me.
 
Fros said:
The biggest complaint I've seen for this very successful tour is that it's was a much more fluffier tour than a diplomatic one which I agree with I believe some of it was made worse by the royals and KP actions.

The lack of historic or cultural events in the Australian leg that always needs to be an important theme at the centre of tours. (Wehave already discussed the lack of Invictus which we can all agree on)

The use of social media: I think this tour gave us our first insight on what a future Sussex social media page and I am afraid it's a but more of a personal account rather than a professional one it doesn't do enough to promote the causes and people they are meeting and some of the pictures they posted were too personal and there were many events they just didn't post anything about which is a huge disservice for the organizations they are taking the time to meet if they also don't promote them on their social media. (I think the couples' balance of professional vs personal/private needs more work)


Meghan's is off to a great start in giving speeches in her royal career but it's painfully obvious she is still writing a lot of them and seem very much like her speeches from her previous career.

It was great that Meghan talked about her struggle to pay for education but she didn't mention anything about Fijianians or provide any insight or facts about the education system there. Her speeches do not do enough to promote and pay tribute to the country they are visiting or their history. (Meghan's speech in New Zealand was my favourite speech it paid tribute to New Zealand's history and their historical figures, thanked new Zealand for leading the way and she used some of the native language)
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I didn’t see the tour has fluffy at all. It highlighted several important issues that are currently affecting many people. Prince Harry is the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, so there were a lot of focus on youth, mental health & the environment, as related to The Queen’s Canopy projects.

At theUniversity of South Oacific, listening to some of the students after Meghan said her speech, several related very much to what she had said & were glad she shared her experience. Students, female & male also were happy about the news from The Sussexes that the universities would be receiving scholarships from Her Majesty’s Trust.

Meghan’s speech in New Zealand, ‘Feminism is fairness’ is another great theme to build on. Yes, these are similar issues Meghan has spoken about previously, however they were not from her acting career, but from her well-rounded life experiences.

Invictus Games was a large part of the Australian visit, so that rightfully received a lot of focus. The drought in Dubbo and other parts of New South Wales has an enormous adverse impact and could for many years to come. The Sussexes visit was welcomed by thousands.

https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/sto...thanks-to-visit-from-duke-and-duchess-photos/

“..Harry and Meghan getting out there and experiencing Dubbo really had that immediate affect on local tourism. Harry and Meghan’s visit to the farm and his speech in Victoria Park, which highlighted the drought, was also important..”
 
Equality for women/girls (not fluffy)
Environment (not fluffy)
Education (not fluffy)
I.G. and mental health issues (not fluffy)

Beyond me how anyone could think this tour was 'light' in content.



LaRae
 
Fros said:
The biggest complaint I've seen for this very successful tour is that it's was a much more fluffier tour than a diplomatic one which I agree with I believe some of it was made worse by the royals and KP actions.

The lack of historic or cultural events in the Australian leg that always needs to be an important theme at the centre of tours. (Wehave already discussed the lack of Invictus which we can all agree on)

The use of social media: I think this tour gave us our first insight on what a future Sussex social media page and I am afraid it's a but more of a personal account rather than a professional one it doesn't do enough to promote the causes and people they are meeting and some of the pictures they posted were too personal and there were many events they just didn't post anything about which is a huge disservice for the organizations they are taking the time to meet if they also don't promote them on their social media. (I think the couples' balance of professional vs personal/private needs more work)


Meghan's is off to a great start in giving speeches in her royal career but it's painfully obvious she is still writing a lot of them and seem very much like her speeches from her previous career.

It was great that Meghan talked about her struggle to pay for education but she didn't mention anything about Fijianians or provide any insight or facts about the education system there. Her speeches do not do enough to promote and pay tribute to the country they are visiting or their history. (Meghan's speech in New Zealand was my favourite speech it paid tribute to New Zealand's history and their historical figures, thanked new Zealand for leading the way and she used some of the native language)
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I didn't see the tour as fluffy at all, even in the Australian leg. They addressed some pretty serious issues. I was hoping that when they took things slower earlier, they'd be preparing, and they certainly didn't disappoint. They handled some pretty sensitive issues with ease and were definitely prepared. I didn't even think that their Australian visits were fluffly. They addressed issues like mental health, diversity, military, and conservation. Their approach might be different than the more formal meetings with heads of state. But if you are really trying to address social problems, I don't think the more formal way is the best way.

I actually hope Meghan will continue to write her speeches. The variety in her speech shows that she's capable of addressing wide range of audiences. Her speech in Fiji was intended for the girls and women of the school and encourage the advancement in higher education for women under difficult situations. She might not have had to struggle as much as Fijian girls, but to hear someone like her didn't always have it easy does offer hope and encouragement to other women. The NZ speech was an entirely different audience. They were not girls in school, but women of the communities that are leaders in their own right. Whether it be PM, GG, or other form of leadership.

One thing that was really noticeable to me with all the reporting from those that met them is how much someone like Meghan being accepted into the royal family means to them and what that tells them about their future. Talk about a morale boost.
 
Fros said:
The biggest complaint I've seen for this very successful tour is that it's was a much more fluffier tour than a diplomatic one which I agree with I believe some of it was made worse by the royals and KP actions.

The lack of historic or cultural events in the Australian leg that always needs to be an important theme at the centre of tours. (Wehave already discussed the lack of Invictus which we can all agree on)

The use of social media: I think this tour gave us our first insight on what a future Sussex social media page and I am afraid it's a but more of a personal account rather than a professional one it doesn't do enough to promote the causes and people they are meeting and some of the pictures they posted were too personal and there were many events they just didn't post anything about which is a huge disservice for the organizations they are taking the time to meet if they also don't promote them on their social media. (I think the couples' balance of professional vs personal/private needs more work)


Meghan's is off to a great start in giving speeches in her royal career but it's painfully obvious she is still writing a lot of them and seem very much like her speeches from her previous career.

It was great that Meghan talked about her struggle to pay for education but she didn't mention anything about Fijianians or provide any insight or facts about the education system there. Her speeches do not do enough to promote and pay tribute to the country they are visiting or their history. (Meghan's speech in New Zealand was my favourite speech it paid tribute to New Zealand's history and their historical figures, thanked new Zealand for leading the way and she used some of the native language)
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I agree with all of your points and think they are all well thought out and valid. Thank you
 
jacqui24 said:
They should be. Thursday afternoon is early morning Thursday in London. It's now afternoon on Friday. They should've arrived early Friday.
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Terri Terri said:
Oh crap! Forgot about the time difference! Thanks!
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Court Circular 1st November:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this afternoon departed from Auckland International Airport, New Zealand, for the United Kingdom.

Court Circular 2nd November:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex this morning arrived at Heathrow Airport, London, from New Zealand.
Ms Samantha Cohen, Miss Amy Pickerill and Ms Marnie Gaffney were in attendance.
 
Fros said:
The biggest complaint I've seen for this very successful tour is that it's was a much more fluffier tour than a diplomatic one which I agree with I believe some of it was made worse by the royals and KP actions.

The lack of historic or cultural events in the Australian leg that always needs to be an important theme at the centre of tours. (Wehave already discussed the lack of Invictus which we can all agree on)

The use of social media: I think this tour gave us our first insight on what a future Sussex social media page and I am afraid it's a but more of a personal account rather than a professional one it doesn't do enough to promote the causes and people they are meeting and some of the pictures they posted were too personal and there were many events they just didn't post anything about which is a huge disservice for the organizations they are taking the time to meet if they also don't promote them on their social media. (I think the couples' balance of professional vs personal/private needs more work)


Meghan's is off to a great start in giving speeches in her royal career but it's painfully obvious she is still writing a lot of them and seem very much like her speeches from her previous career.

It was great that Meghan talked about her struggle to pay for education but she didn't mention anything about Fijianians or provide any insight or facts about the education system there. Her speeches do not do enough to promote and pay tribute to the country they are visiting or their history. (Meghan's speech in New Zealand was my favourite speech it paid tribute to New Zealand's history and their historical figures, thanked new Zealand for leading the way and she used some of the native language)
Click to expand...


I find it funny one would complain a royal writes their own speeches.. For all the talk about 'oh for all the work we see we don't see all the prep work'. What work if they don't bother writing their own speeches. You can tell the difference. Not just the personal connection but the fact that she wasn't just reading from a script and glancing up once and a while.

Social media is a powerful tool. One the British royals have sorely underused. It's a way to connect to people. It shouldn't be used simply to post press releases and official photos. It's a way to draw people in. Especially as people keep advocating quality is more important then quantity. Social media is a way to keep that up even without appearances.

This tour wasn't fluff it was actually personal. It was a mix of events that actually have a personal link to the couple. Invictus was just part. The stories that came out like the bridge walk or the sailing event.

Australia was mainly about Invuctus as it should be. But there were cultural shows. There was honoring natural preserves and more. In NZ they were there to celebrate the woman's right to vote. In Fiji they introduced new funding for schools there. There was plenty of depth. When it's a sixteen day tour and four countries, not every single event is going to be deeply serious.

Meghan making her speeches personal made more impact. Reading stats someone else wrote you is not. With Meghan and Harry you can actually feel a real connection between them and their causes.

Yes there are ties to her acting life. Why is that a bad thing? It shows Meghan actually cares. She doesn't do charity work simply because she is a royal. These were causes she was passionate about for years before. And which she has found a way to continue in her new life.

I find it refreshing to find a royal spouse who 1 is confident and eloquent enough to write and do her own speeches 2 Actually did charity work and had causes prior to marriage. It wouldn't take her a year to choose some causes.
 
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I have no clue how anyone could call this tour 'fluffy'. What issues were fluffy? And personally I love that Meghan writes her own speeches, and draws from her own experienced. It connects with people, resonates with the audience.
 
One thing Harry and Meghan didn't do on the tour was to make it appear as if it was "work" for them. Unless it was a situation where solemnity was called for, they looked like they were having a rip roaring good time and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The issues and causes played a huge part of it all but those issues and causes were woven into the events with the people seamlessly, didn't need to be "pointed out" and people paid attention.

Meghan's speeches sounded exactly like they were supposed to. They sounded like Meghan speaking from the heart. More importantly, she wasn't addressing the people or talking at the people. She was communicating with the people and they paid attention. You pretty much can tell when someone puts their heart and soul into words.

Meghan is good at what she does. Harry and Meghan both have excellent people skills. Neither one of them ever want to make anything about themselves and crowds are drawn to them like ants to a picnic. The blessing lies in the fact that both of these people, who have hearts that are drawn to helping others, found themselves with a world stage on which to express themselves. One man that, at a time, thought his life may be a big albatross around his neck, finds the perfect woman and that albatross becomes his favorite pet.

Its all good. Its actually very early yet as their relationship actually has only been public for two years now. Sometimes when you *know* something is right you forge full steam ahead and as the Nike slogan says "just do it".
 
Osipi said:
One thing Harry and Meghan didn't do on the tour was to make it appear as if it was "work" for them. Unless it was a situation where solemnity was called for, they looked like they were having a rip roaring good time and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The issues and causes played a huge part of it all but those issues and causes were woven into the events with the people seamlessly, didn't need to be "pointed out" and people paid attention.

Meghan's speeches sounded exactly like they were supposed to. They sounded like Meghan speaking from the heart. More importantly, she wasn't addressing the people or talking at the people. She was communicating with the people and they paid attention. You pretty much can tell when someone puts their heart and soul into words.

Meghan is good at what she does. Harry and Meghan both have excellent people skills. Neither one of them ever want to make anything about themselves and crowds are drawn to them like ants to a picnic. The blessing lies in the fact that both of these people, who have hearts that are drawn to helping others, found themselves with a world stage on which to express themselves. One man that, at a time, thought his life may be a big albatross around his neck, finds the perfect woman and that albatross becomes his favorite pet.

Its all good. Its actually very early yet as their relationship actually has only been public for two years now. Sometimes when you *know* something is right you forge full steam ahead and as the Nike slogan says "just do it".
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I was drawn by the amount of empathy this tour exhibited from Harry talking about his personal experiences with mental health to Meghan mentioning her struggles as a student. They empathized with the people and the people empathized with them. The tour had so many genuine personal touches that made it seem like a small family tour in spite of all the massive amount of people who came to see them. I was also touched when they visited New Zealand and the host told them to relax and that they worked hard and it was their time to just sit back. There are even more moments of empathy and just plain simple human connection that made this tour a joy to watch.
 
Something more substantive than Tweeps :)lol:), Chris Ship said The First Tour was most viewed program in its time slot last night.
 
I watched the documentary and it was a good, entertaining watch. It was great to look back at little snippets from the tour and to "meet" those who were responsible for organising events and those who went to see the Sussexes.
 
Great to catch up on everyone's tour posts. I followed on Twitter so reading your posts was like reliving the tour through your eyes. Some thoughts from me...

- The tour overall was an unquestioned success. They did a great job highlighting the causes, organizations, and communities that are important to them. I was excited to see that captured in the media coverage. It wasn't just an int'l fashion show for Meghan. As much as the Fluro Friday event at Bondi beach may not have been everyone's cup of tea, the OneWave website crashing is a testament that the message mattered.
- KP said H&M's goal was to meet as many local people as possible vs. a tour focused exclusively on set pieces and signing guest books with dignitaries. I thought they had a good mix but you could definitely see where their priorities were. And several of the PMs, quite smartly, took part in the public engagements. The fact that PM Arden sent Hannah the pic of her and Meghan is unbelievable and just made that moment even better.
- I'll add the military in general to the list of themes Pranter provided. There were several remembrance events, statue unveilings, and the like. I didn't see much fluff beyond the welly wanging which was really a QCC dedication anyway.
- I give both H&M credit for being able to downshift from hugs and high-fives to welcome ceremonies and state dinners. I thought they handled both well even though the former may be their preference. I was frankly disappointed with the RRs claiming they missed the fun Harry from tours gone by. The man is 34, married and about to be a father. The days of Harry as court jester here to entertain should be over. He seemed to have an easier time with the transition than the reporters.
- H&M's speeches were a highlight of the tour. In their own way, they both brought in their personal experiences and that made the speeches memorable vs. a cold read of someone else's words. More of that please.
- With the time difference, it seemed like the KP social media team was asleep for half the tour. Often felt like watching the Olympics on tape delay. I like the behind the scene pics which were done sparingly just as I liked William tweeting about the World Cup.
- Time management is going to be an ongoing struggle with this couple. They're both talkers who value connection and don't want to disappoint crowds who've waited for hours. Plus, KP severely underestimated their popularity/crowd size, the Suva mkt being the most glaring example. Not sure if the solution is fewer, longer events but scheduling walkabouts for 15 mins is laughable. They've lost before they've even begun.
- I agree with others that IG got shortchanged by the tour. I understand why but hope it won't happen again.
 
Yes, Chris Ship would be pleased with the way the programme was received. I'm very glad that people in Britain were able to see for themselves how Harry and Meghan were received by crowds on this side of the world.
 
For Australian viewers the ITV First Tour special will be telecast this Sunday the 11th November on Channel 7 between 9.15-10.15pm
 
Goody! Thanks for that. I look forward to it.
 
This is great news!! I wish Harry and Meghan could stay in Australia it was so positive and it was great seeing them so relaxed and happy.
 
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