Author: Helen Regan / Source: CNN
(CNN)The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrapped up their 16-day royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji Wednesday, by admiring century-old redwoods and naming two newborn kiwi chicks.
For their final stop, the royal couple visited Rotorua’s Te Papaiouru marae — a sacred meeting house in Polynesian societies — where they participated in a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony called a pōwhiri. Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth had visited the same site on a tour in 1953.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch a Wero, a ceremonial challenge to determine whether visitors came in peace or with hostile intent, in Te Papaiouru Marae.
Prince Harry and Meghan were gifted traditional Maori cloaks, called Korowai, by the Te Arawa people. The Duchess of Sussex’ cloak, which was draped over a blue Stella McCartney dress, was designed specifically for her and incorporated elements from her life, including her royal status, her pregnancy, and her roots in the Californian sunshine.
“We see the Duchess as representing strong kaupapa (values) for women — she displays aroha (love), manaakitanga (nurturing and hospitality), mana (influence) and she is a great leader,” said Ngāti Whakaue elder Norma Sturley, who designed the cloak,according to CNN affiliate TVNZ.
Inside the meeting…
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