Places where you can get a glimpse of the royal couple

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The staff of Grand Pacific Hotel showing the balcony where the Duke and Dutchess of Sussex waved after the traditional welcoming ceremony at Albert Park earlier this year. This is the same balcony where Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh waved from in 1953. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA

IF you are wishing to get a close glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan today, here’s how you can.

While the British royal duo are expected to arrive in Fiji this afternoon with an “appropriate level” of security, Fijians can get their taste of royalty at their various public engagements over the duration of their visit.

  • Firstly, Fijians can take a glance of the royal entourage in their motorcades by the roadside if you’re along the routes they will take from Nausori International Airport, along the Kings Rd, through Samabula and right to the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva. No media personnel are even permitted to enter Nausori International Airport for the arrival of the aircraft as security will be pre-positioned at the gates of the airport grounds to turn vehicles around. Roads will be closed to allow the motorcade to transport the Duke and Duchess to their first formal event, so best to stand by the roadsides. Schools enroute also have an opportunity to stand on the roadside and wave flags as the royal entourage passes.
  • Prince Harry and Meghan are due to arrive at about 4pm and should be at the iconic Albert Park in Suva from 6pm for a traditional welcome, offering a bit more of an up-close view of the couple. The traditional ceremonies of welcome will take place from 6:00-6:45pm, where Fijians can witness a royal wave from the GPH balcony just across the road.
  • Tomorrow, the Duke and Duchess will be at the University of the South Pacific (USP) from 9:45-10:45am. It is understood a number of students have been selected for this engagement.
  • From there, the Duke and Duchess will travel to their separate respective engagements. The Duke will travel to Colo-i-Suva for the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy unveiling while the Duchess visits with women group representatives at the British High Commissioner’s residence. The Duchess will then be at the Suva market by 11:30am, which is expected to have strict security, including an allocated number of pool media and Fiji’s Department of Information (DINFO) – excluding other local media.
  • Their next public engagement will be at the Nadi International Airport on Thursday morning (October 25) where the Duke will unveil the statue of Sgt. Taliasi Labalaba before leaving for the Kingdom of Tonga.

According to DINFO, the Fijian Government is working closely with Kensington Palace to ensure that the Duke and Duchess enjoy a safe and memorable visit and have the opportunity to meet as many Fijians as possible and enjoy our world famous hospitality.

“We ask the public to accept that an appropriate level of security is necessary. But as far as possible, the royal couple are keen to meet as many Fijians as possible face to face and the security arrangements will reflect that desire,” the department stated.

*Follow us on our website and social media pages Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates from their visits.

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