Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 17:26. Updated on Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 19:32.
Photos by Linny Folau, Eleanor Gee and Caroline Manu Moli
Prince Harry and Meghan wear Heilala kahoa (flower necklaces) and faka ha'apai kiekie girdles, from the youth exhibition at Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Caroline Manu Moli / Matangi Tonga.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex engaged with Tongan youth on Friday morning, October 26, in a short programme at the Fa'onelua Centre, where the couple viewed an indoor and outdoor exhibition presented by Tonga National Youth groups and chatted to participants.
Prince Harry delighted Tonga’s Special Olympians and shook their hands. Both he and Meghan stopped to congratulate Fane Helu, Siaosi Palanite and Paula Tupou. Fane, who won the Shotput bronze medal for Tonga in the 2015 Special Olympics, has Down syndrome. Prince Harry took her hand and leaned forward saying “Congratulations,” Fane curtseyed and then both Prince Harry and Meghan paid special attention to her medal. Fane was left glowing with pride.
Prince Harry congratulates Special Olympian Fane Helu. Fa'onelua Centre, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018.
Fusipala Tukuofo ki he Hau Vaha'i is ready to present a flower bouquet to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga.
Tongan women hold up a large ngatu (tapa cloth) to welcome the Royal couple at an exhibition at Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga.
The Duchess of Sussex receives a flower bouquet on arrival at the Tongan National Youth exhibition, Fa'onelua, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Eleanor Gee / Matangi Tonga.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were delighted with a special kiss from Ongo Haisipe Vaea, who had presented Heilala garlands assisted by Anaukihesina Ma’afu . Fa'onelua, 26 October 2018.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look at Fane Helu's bronze medal for Shotput in the 2015 Special Olympics. Fa'onelua, 26 October 2018.
HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka with Special Olympians and the Talitha Project. From left, Vanessa Helita, Siaosi Palanite, Fane Helu, Paula Tupou, HRH, Vika Savieti, Sara Heleta, Kaloni Fihaki, Noelani Day and Anamalia Fakemaka, Tongan National Youth Exhibition, Fa'onelua Centre, 26 October 2018. Photo: Caroline Manu-Moli/ Matangi Tonga.
Prince Harry wears a Heilala kahoa (flower necklace) and a faka ha'apai kiekie around his waist while visiting the youth exhibition at Fa'onelua Convention Centre, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Linny Folau / Matangi Tonga.
Primary School students on Vuna Road with a welcome sign for the Royal couple, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Linny Folau / Matangi Tonga
Primary School students on Vuna Road with Tongan flags join in welcoming the Royal couple, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Linny Folau / Matangi Tonga
Primary School students on Vuna Road with a welcome sign for the Royal couple, Nuku'alofa, 26 October 2018. Photo: Linny Folau / Matangi Tonga.