Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry have a fan-base in the millions, but even the royals can come across situations where the admirers come in unprecedented numbers.
On Wednesday, the Duchess of Sussex visited the Suva Market in Fiji as part of her royal tour with husband Prince Harry. But when she arrived, the scene had potential to get out of hand as thousands of fans packed into the small space waiting to catch a glimpse of her.
The Duchess of Sussex always draws a big crowd, but on Wednesday things could have gone too far. (Image: Getty Images)
Indeed, her security took matters into their own hands, allowing the Duchess only half of the pre-scheduled 15 minutes at the Market due to their concern around the dark, confined space and large turnout of people.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Press Association that Meghan’s visit was cut short due to the crowd.
“On advice she was taken out due to crowd management issues,” they said.
“She met everyone she was meant to meet and left.”
READ MORE: Duchess Meghan’s maternity wardrobe
Meghan was whisked away from the public appearance early. (Image: Getty Images)
The crowds had gathered in the masses to see the Duchess. (Image: Getty Images)
While her visit to the Market was a short one, Meghan still managed to meet with several female vendors who are involved in the UN Women’s project called ‘Markets for Change’.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess stepped out at the University of the South Pacific to mark its 50th birthday celebrations.
Meghan, dressed in a brightly coloured ruffle dress by Figue featuring long sleeves and pom poms, delivered a rousing speech at the event, discussing her own experience of receiving an education.
“The journey of higher education is an incredible, impressive, inspirational and pivotal one,” she told the crowd.
Her passion for helping women in particular was particularly apparent during her speech when she stated: “For women and girls in developing countries, [education] is vital. Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development.”
“Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.”
WATCH: Duchess Meghan delivers a speech on the importance of education in Fiji:
On Monday evening, Meghan and Harry dressed to the nines for an evening soiree hosted by the president of Fiji. Meghan wore a stunning SAFiYAA Ginkgo cape gown in a striking blue colour.
The 37-year-old’s growing baby bump was particularly noticeable in the frock, and the Duchess couldn’t have looked more maternal as she cradled her tummy while speaking to guests and posing for photos.
Fans have been following Meghan’s every move throughout the royal tour, especially following her pregnancy announcement which came on the first day they arrived in Australia.
The Duchesses fashion choices have also been the talk of the town, with admirers rushing to view and buy the ensembles Meghan steps out in each day.
The mania has become aptly known as The Meghan Effect, and on this tour alone, Australian designers Karen Gee and Dion Lee saw their websites crash within minutes of the Duchess wearing one of their dresses.
Lee, whose navy blue midi design was worn by the Duchess during her visit to Melbourne, was surprised by the hype surrounding the royal, saying in a statement: “It’s a whole other level [of attention]. I can’t say our website has ever crashed as a result of anyone wearing our clothes.”
We’re hoping the Duke and Duchess are getting some respite from the (at-times) overwhelming fan base following their every move.
Duchess Meghan’s wardrobe has been the talk of the town. (Images: Getty Images)
