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In pictures: Harry and Meghan's Australia tour

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive for a public walk at the Sydney Opera House

Tuesday 16 October 2018 13:17, UK

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Russell Hope, news reporter

News of their impending first child has dominated the start of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first tour as a married couple.

Prince Harry and Meghan have looked happy and relaxed, chatting confidently to the cheering crowds at the start of their 16-day tour of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Some Australians may be anxious to ditch the country's royal connection, but you would not know it from the way the tour has been supported.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks to Australian Singer Missy Higgins, with her 9 week old baby Lunar
Image: Meghan meets Australian singer Missy Higgins and nine week-old Lunar

The announcement of the Duchess's pregnancy looks set to ensure those with smiles will outnumber any locals with frowns.

When they touched down in Sydney in London-style rain on Monday, fresh from the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, it was the start of what promises to be a gruelling trip, taking in 76 engagements.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meets a Koala called Ruby during a visit to Taronga Zoo
Image: Meghan meets a Koala called Ruby during a visit to Taronga Zoo

The couple have already been to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the city's famous Taronga Zoo.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are shown a Yellow Bellied Glider during a ceremony at Taronga Zoo in Sydney
Image: Harry and Meghan are shown a yellow bellied glider during a ceremony at Sydney's Taronga Zoo

Their itinerary also takes in the launch of the Invictus Games, which Harry set up, and a visit to the rural Flying Doctor service.

Lady Lynne Cosgrove, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Australia's Governor General Peter Cosgrove and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at Admiralty House
Image: (L-R) Lady Lynne Cosgrove, Prince Harry, Australia's governor general Peter Cosgrove and the Duchess of Sussex at Admiralty House

Later they fly to Fiji where they will be greeted with an arrival ceremony similar to one the newly crowned Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were treated to in 1953.

Harry will pay tribute to Fijian war veterans and the couple will attend a state dinner before flying to Tonga.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan walk down the stairs of the iconic Opera House to meet the crowds
Image: The couple walk down the steps outside the Sydney Opera House to meet the crowds

The tour ends with a four-day trip to New Zealand, where they will be greeted by the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who recently became the second ever elected head of state to give birth while in office.

The Duke and Duchess will learn about environmental challenges while in Wellington, visit a charity which supports children with parents in prison, and meet members of the public in Auckland and Rotorua.

Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98 year old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House
Image: Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98 year old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "There is a long history of friendship between the royal family and Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, and their links with the UK are extensive.

Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Taronga Zoo
Image: Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Taronga Zoo

"The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to experiencing the unique cultures and customs of those four Commonwealth countries and have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Australians, Fijians, Tongans, and New Zealanders as possible."

They will return to London from Auckland on 1 November.

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