While the Duchess of Sussex wowed fans at her first formal evening occasion as a member of the royal family in Fiji on Tuesday, royal watchers were asking why newly-pregnant Meghan wasn’t wearing a tiara.
Simply stunning in a blue caped dress by Safiyaa but why no jewels in Meghan’s hair? (Image: Getty Images)
Despite being an undeniable rhapsody in blue (the duchess wore a vibrant blue cape dress by Safiyaa and chandelier diamond earrings), her dark locks were devoid of jewels – unlike her sister-in-law who was glittering in Princess Diana’s famous Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara at a State Banquet on the same night back in Britain.
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry at the black tie dinner hosted by the Fijian President on Tuesday evening. (Image: Getty Images)
Both are duchesses, both were attending state dinners so why could the Duchess of Cambridge dazzle in diamonds but not Meghan?
Duchess Kate wore Princess Diana’s Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara to a Royal State Dinner at Buckingham Place on the same night that her sister-in-law went bare-headed in Fiji. (Image: AAP)
The answer is simple.
Members of the royal family can’t wear a tiara unless the occasion’s dress code is white tie. Duchess Kate was attending a white tie event at Buckingham Palace. Duchess Meghan was a guest at a black tie dinner hence why her glossy tresses were bare.
The royal dress code for bling doesn’t end there because it appears that your marital status has an impact too. So while Princess Eugenie could wear a tiara, her as yet unmarried, older sister Princess Beatrice could not. Bad luck, Bea.
Tiara or not, there’s no mistaking Meghan’s pregnancy glow or adorable bump! (Image: Getty Images)
Not that a lack of tiara took the shine off Duchess Meghan’s star quality that night. Dare we say she had a new pregnancy glow about her?
With her pregnancy having been announced just over a week ago, Meghan’s maternal side was out in full force as she cradled her baby bump while speaking to guests and posing for photos. Fans were quick to point out her growing tummy, which was particularly noticeable in the dress.
One fan took to Twitter to share one of the adorable snaps of Meghan, writing: “Side view tells the full or expanding story.”
Meghan wore her hair in falling waves and accessorised her look with some stunning jewellery. Harry also looked dashing in a black evening suit and bow tie.
Like Meghan, it was clear how smitten the Prince was for their new baby – in a touching supportive gesture when the pair went to toast at dinner, Harry joined the Duchess in toasting with water.
Fans on Twitter gushed about the show of support, with one writing: “Nice Good Job Harry Supporting Meg During her pregnancy.”
Another wrote: “Aww so sweet of Prince Harry to join her in her ‘water toast.'”
No bubbles to toast this royal babe! (Image: Getty Images)
The event was hosted by Fijian President, Major General Jioji Konrote and attended by politicians, diplomats and local business leaders, who mingled with the royal couple throughout the soiree.
Despite the high-brow guest-list, Prince Harry couldn’t help but share some humour in his speech during the dinner.
Speaking about the royals long-standing relationship with Fiji, the Prince said: “We share Commonwealth values and common goals – a love of rugby and a sense of humour.
“Our ties run deep.”
Prince Harry spoke movingly of the Royals’ deep ties with the island nation in a stirring speech. (Image: Getty Images)
He also paid homage to the Fijian soldiers who had served with British troops over the years.
“I must emphasise my respect, admiration and camaraderie with the Fijian soldiers that I served with in Afghanistan,” he told the guests. “We trained together, we fought together, and most importantly we laughed together.”
The royal couple’s trip to Fiji is particularly special because it almost exactly mirrors a visit Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip made in 1953 shortly following her coronation. The Queen and Prince attended a similar ceremony to the one Meghan and Harry attended on Tuesday night.
WATCH: Harry and Meghan go full-on floral in Fiji
Story continues below…
During his speech, Harry referenced his grandmother’s ties to the country: “This visit is particularly nostalgic for us as a young married couple – my grandparents stayed in this very hotel, the Grand Pacific, a number of times over the years.”
In another sweet tribute, Meghan wore earrings that were gifted to her by the Queen herself for her arrival in Fiji on Monday afternoon.
The Duchess looked picture perfect in a cream Zimmerman dress as she and Prince Harry touched down in Fiji wearing earrings that were a gift from the Queen. (Image: Getty Images)
And it’s not just the Queen who is familiar with the country – many royals have visited Fiji over the years, including Prince Charles who visited in 1970, 1985 and 2005.
READ MORE: How Meghan is avoiding the risk of Zika with fashion
Prince Andrew and Princess Anne have also visited the South Pacific country. And according to Prince Harry when he addressed crowds this morning in Nadi on the final day of their trip to Fiji, this is one royal couple who plan on coming back to visit the island nation.
The royal couple on their last morning in Fiji promised to come back to visit the island nation. (Image: Rex)
Something that delighted President Konrote who said, “Thank you for coming to Fiji and gracing us with your much welcome but very short visit. It’s good to know that you promise to come back. May Almighty God be with you now and in the future.”
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan will continue the Royal Tour with one night in Tonga before heading back to Sydney for the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games.
