Photos by Linny Folau, Eleanor Gee and Caroline Manu Moli

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.

The Special Olympians were among many youth groups who had gathered with over 100 people inside the centre to exhibit their activities. The air conditioning had failed and many had been there since early in the morning to set up their displays.

But the heat and humidity was forgotten and there was a high level of excitement in the room as the Duke and Duchess arrived, with the daughter of King Tupou VI, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka - a diplomat, who is Tonga’s High Commissioner to Canberra.

Before viewing the exhibition, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka extended a warm Malo e lelei to the Duke and Duchess.

“In Tongan royal language I will say Malo ho‘omo laumalie, mo e tali tali fiefia, ki he ‘otu motu anga‘ofa [Thanks for your good spirits, and you are happily welcomed to the Friendly Islands.”]

The Princess believed the focus on youth during the royal tour of four countries was contributing to the promotion of peace and prosperity in the Commonwealth.

“Your visit today draws attention to the fundamentals of today's youth - youth leadership and youth empowerment, and addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges of our region.

“Your visit inspires and has been an inspiration to the youth of Tonga to be the best they can be. You are beacon of hope to us all, shining light on the work and inspirations of the youth across the Commonwealth,” she said.

During the short 40 minutes programme at the Fa'onelua Centre, the Duke and Duchess were entertained by the Tupou Tertiary Institute Choir and a solo Ta'olunga dance  performed by Miss Kalolaine Tukapa Tu'iha'angana, as well as other traditional dancing and colourful handicraft displays outside the centre.

By the end of the programme the Royal Couple left wearing colourful Heilala necklaces and faka Ha'apai kiekie (girdles).

The visit touched the hearts of many at the centre. A volunteer teacher Sheelagh Parker from Leeds in Yorkshire and her son Reef Parker-Harding who supported the TTI , Talitha Project UN Women and youth sports displays, was waiting for the Royals to arrive. “I'm so excited I'm shaking. He's my Prince and we would never happen to get so close in England,” she said.

Then as Prince Harry and Meghan came around the exhibition, they stopped and chatted to Sheelagh and Reef (7).

“He asked our names, and us how long we had lived in Tonga, and I congratulated him on the news of the pregnancy. I was just thrilled to have met them, I'm still shaking and I'm a bit emotional,” she said.