The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were warmly welcomed at Fua’amotu International Airport by Princess Angelika Latufuipeka, after arriving mid-afternoon on a chartered aircraft for their first visit to Tonga.

The Princess waited on the tarmac to greet Prince Harry and Megan as they disembarked on a windy overcast day, with the breeze catching Megan's long black hair and flared skirt as she came down the stairs wearing a bright red dress that recognised Tonga’s national colour.

Princess Harry took Megan’s hand as they walked along a red carpet rolled out across the tarmac to the airport terminal, where two large black ngatu were laid on the walkway to the “VVIP” lounge. Before entering the lounge for refreshments, they were presented with a bouquet of flowers by Miss Melenaite Tupoumoheofo Tuku’aho, while a group of traditional dancers from the village of Pelehake performed a tau’olunga and other traditional dances.

After the royal visitors left the airport, cheering primary school children and high school students waving Tongan flags, and some with Union Jacks, lined each side of the road all the way from the airport to the entrance to the Royal Residence, The Villa, at Mata ki 'Eua where they are spending the night.

The students waited for hours, taking their positions at 1:30pm and were so excited to see the Royal Couple’s motorcade drive past, reaching the royal residence at around 4.20pm. Joining the students, people of all ages also waited patiently to catch a glimpse of them.

Katalina Makasini from Loto Ha’apai, Ha’ateiho, sat with her family, delighted to be part of the welcoming crowd. “I am very happy to bring my grandchildren with me to witness this historical event,” she said.

Further down the road, University of the South Pacific staff member, Meisi Pau’u, wearing her ta’ovala, kiekie and faka Ha’apai, with Christmas tinsel on her head, practiced her dance moves while waving the Tongan flag. “I am excited to welcome the Prince. I will dance by the road when their Royal Highnesses drive by,” she said.

Close to the Villa retired teacher, Seini Fasi, sat with her niece. She recalled fondly when she saw Prince Harry’s grandmother in 1953 when she visited Tonga.

“I was around nine-years old when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the Kingdom. We stood around in town and threw flowers at her.”

Seini brought her young niece so they could cheerfully welcome the Royal Couple. “It’s a different atmosphere, both welcoming events were beautiful in their own time,” she said.

Friday program

The program for the visiting royal couple continued this evening with a private audience with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u before a welcome reception and dinner at the Consular House in Nuku'alofa.

Meanwhile, a group of 61 overseas media arrived on the same charter flight and joined local and other overseas media to cover the short visit.

The program continues on the morning of Friday, October 26 before the royal visitors depart at about 2:00 pm to fly back to Australia.