Thousands turned up at Suva’s Albert Park yesterday evening to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their royal visit to Fiji.

The royal couple were accorded a traditional welcome ceremony known as Veiqaraqaravi Vakavanua conducted by the Vanua of Vuda before a traditional dance was performed by the Vanua of Nakelo.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex delivered a short speech to the huge crowd that had been waiting for hours to get a close glimpse of them.

“Bula Vinaka! Thank you President and you the people of Fiji for the warm welcome that you have given us here today. The Duchess and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next two days and celebrating the links and friendship between Fiji and the United Kingdom. Vinaka Vakalevu.”

The Duke and Duchess were received with loud cheers and BULA greetings from the crowd during the ceremony.

Prince Harry even partook in a little kava during the ceremonial.

Following this, the royal couple exited Albert Park and made their way to the Grand Pacific Hotel where they were greeted with thousands of locals and tourists outside the hotel.

The Duke and Duchess made an entrance at the GPH balcony to wave to the crowd– for many of them, this was the closest they could get to catch a glimpse of the Royal Highnesses.

This was also a historical appearance as Prince Harry’s grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II together with her husband Prince Philip made a similar wave appearance from the same balcony in 1954.

The royal couple were later hosted by President Major General retired Jioji Konrote to a state dinner held in their honor.