A 6.2 magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand’s North Island on Tuesday (local time) asPrince HarryandMeghan Markletoured Auckland.
The earthquake was so significant that much of New Zealand felt it with some even feeling tremors in its South Island. Fortunately, one of the few areas to not to experience significant shaking was Auckland, where Meghan and Harry were visiting with local children.
New Zealand is no stranger to tragic earthquakes, as two people were killed near Kaikoura in November 2016, according to theNew Zealand Herald. The 7.8 magnitude tremor was one of the largest in New Zealand and went on for approximately 30 seconds.
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At the time of Tuesday’s quake, Parliament was in session. Speaker Anne Tolley wascaptured in the shaky live footagemaking the call to suspend the meeting and advised Parliament members to take proper safety precautions.
As of right now, there have been no reports of injuries, deaths, or damage.
The organization celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and is the only New Zealand charity that dedicates itself to supporting children of prisoners through a mentoring program,according to their website.
Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, already have a special connection to the charity: as a wedding present to the couple, the government of New Zealand gifted $5,000 to Pillars. During Tuesday’s visit, the royals met some of the children who directly benefited from the funding.
Switching out of their casual attire from earlier, Meghan changed into a beige Brandon Maxwell dress with matching Stuart Weitzman pumps and a beige Burberry Bishop trench coat for the event. Harry also went formal, opting for a navy suit with a white button-down underneath.
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With a child of their own due in the spring, the royal couple has proven to be naturals with kids during their whirlwind 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
The couple crouched down to play with the little ones, who showed off various toys and games to their royal visitors.
During their visit in Dubbo, Australia, the Royals got a warm welcome fromlittle Luke Vincent, 6,who gave Meghan a big hug and stroked Harry’s beard.
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Prior to their trip to the Pillars on Tuesday, the pair also bonded with local children from the environmental education group, “Trees of Survival,” joining the kids for a “welly wanging” contest.
The objective of the game was to throw a Wellington boot — which New Zealanders refer to as “Wellies” — as far as possible. (Wellingtons are equivalent to what Americans call rainboots, Bean Boots, or duck boots.)
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The local children cheered as Meghan showed off her strength and won the competition, throwing her red-and-white polka-dotted boot approximately a meter away from Harry’s blue boot. For the win, the Duchess was rewarded with arainboot-shaped trophy.
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source: people.com
