It’s hongi time!
After their arrival at the airport,Meghan MarkleandPrince Harrywasted no time in immersing themselves in the New Zealand culture.
Theroyal parents-to-beattended a traditional welcome ceremony on the lawns of Government House, the residence of the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Patsy Reddy.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein / WireImage
Meghan was able to practice her hongi before traveling to New Zealand last month when sheattended the opening of a Pacific art exhibit.
Artist Sarah Hudson said, “We thought it might be a nice bit of practice before she comes to the Pacific next month and it’s nice to be able to practice something that’s customary for us. She’s honoring our heritage.”
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It was not, however, Meghan’s first hongi. That came in April this year when she and Harry attended a dawn service on Anzac Day in London.
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Meanwhile, Harry and other members of the royal family have become masters of theintimate greetingover the years. The father-to-be performed a hongi when he arrived in New Zealand back in 2015.
His sister-in-lawKate Middletonmastered the traditional greeting during her three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2014, her and William’s first official trip overseas with Prince George.
Prince Williamis also familiar with the greeting. Here he is receiving a hongi during a visit to Kapiti Island in 2010.
source: people.com
