It’s the beginning of the end ofPrince HarryandMeghan Markle‘s royal tour!
On their final day of appearances in New Zealand before heading back to London, theroyal parents-to-bevisited Te Papaiouru Marae for a formal pōwhiri and luncheon in their honor. A pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony involving speeches, dancing, singing and thehongi.
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Upon theirarrival in New Zealandon Saturday, they were given ornate traditional robes as they attended a traditional welcome ceremony on the grounds of Government House, the residence of the Governor General of New Zealand.
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Meghan’s traditional Māori cloak was adorned with feathers and held representations for her pregnancy, including “strength, warmth and ahora (love).”
Prince Harrytook part in the ceremony, picking up a dagger while keeping his eyes on a Maori warrior who was challenging him.
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Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, were invited to perform the hongi, a traditional Māori greeting which includes two people pressing their nose and foreheads together.
Meghan was able to practice her hongi before traveling to New Zealand last month when sheattended the opening of a Pacific art exhibit.
Artist Sarah Hudson said, “We thought it might be a nice bit of practice before she comes to the Pacific next month and it’s nice to be able to practice something that’s customary for us. She’s honoring our heritage.”
It was not, however, Meghan’s first hongi. That came in April this year when she and Harry attended a dawn service on Anzac Day in London.
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source: people.com
