Forbes
Cecilia Rodriguez, Senior Contributor
TWEET THIS
For their last royal trip, and one of their last official duties before they welcome their first child in April, the heavily pregnant Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, flew to Morocco.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visit the Andalusian gardens in Rabat, Morocco, to discuss youth empowerment with young social entrepreneurs.
Photo: Samir Hussein/ WireImageGETTY
For their last royal trip, and one of their last official duties before they welcome their first child in April, the heavily pregnant Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, flew to Morocco for a long weekend that started last Saturday and finished on Monday, February 25.
The couple landed in Casablanca on Saturday and were received by Moroccan officials and welcoming guards dressed in white, all serving as an appropriate background for the dazzling Duchess, who wore a red, couture Valentino gown.
Leaving the residence of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, after an audience in Rabat that closed the royal visit. Photo: Yui Mok/ Getty ImagesGETTY
Prince Harry and Meghan at the Andalusian Gardens. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage GETTY
The royal couple arriving at a reception hosted by the British Ambassador. Photo: Yui Mok/AP
For the reception hosted by the British Ambassador, Meghan wore a stunning Dior gown. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageGETTY
“The trip was organized to give the royal couple the chance to meet influential Moroccan women, young entrepreneurs and disabled athletes,” according to the Express.
The royal tour included a Sunday visit to the town of Asni in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains to learn about the Moroccan NGO Education For All, founded by British entrepreneur Michael McHugo, and dedicated to help girls from 12 to 18 to get access to secondary education.
Visiting the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports, which supports children with special needs. They attended a horse grooming session with some of the children, before watching a riding demonstration. Photo: Samir Hussein/ WireImageGETTY
Greeting children from the Education For All boarding house in the town of Asni. Photo: Fadel Senna /AFP/Getty ImagesGETTY
Meghan tries some local dishes during a cooking demonstration where children from under-privileged backgrounds learn traditional Moroccan recipes from one of Morocco’s foremost chefs. They tried local delicacies including a spicy chickpea soup presented in artisan bowls. Photo: Tim P. Whitby /Getty ImagesGETTY
Students and their families lined the street in anticipation of the couple’s arrival and Meghan was handed bouquets of roses.
While there, Meghan was given a traditional Moroccan henna tattoo, an ancient custom thought to have its roots in North Africa, of flowers designed on her hand meant to celebrate a woman’s pregnancy.
Traditional musicians performing at a reception hosted by the British Ambassador. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageGETTY
Meghan gets a henna tattoo at a boarding house for girls. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageGETTY
The day ended with a formal reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco at the British Residence in Rabat where the royal couple spent the evening meeting 130 influential Moroccans including captains of industry, military officers, disabled athletes and young entrepreneurs.
On their arrival, the royal couple participated in another traditional Moroccan welcome, invited to wash their hands in scented rose water.
Once again, Meghan sparkled in a “Moroccan inspired,” crystal embellished cream gown by Dior, which she wore with diamond earrings and a satin clutch, also by Dior.
Photo: Tim Rooke /Getty ImagesGETTY
A tender moment between Harry and Meghan as they visit a local secondary school in Asni, Morocco. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageGETTY
On Monday, the final day of the tour, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Club Dar Es Salam that helps children with disabilities through equine therapy.
They also went to the walled, public Andalusian Gardens in Rabat, where they visited a social entrepreneurs market.
The royal visit ended with a meeting with Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco and members of his family including his sisters, Princess Lalla Hasna and Princess Lalla Meryem, and his son, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.
For the occasion Meghan wore a bespoke flowing patterned dress by Carolina Herrera.
At the ‘Education For All’ boarding house for girls ages 12 to 18, in Asni, Morocco. Photo: Tim P. Whitby/Getty ImagesGETTY
Prince Harry and Meghan arriving at Casablanca airport. Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageGETTY
Their successful visit suffered one dark cloud that was remarked repeatedly by the British media: As the royal couple spent their visit promoting female empowerment, among other activities, the mystery of the “missing princess” loomed in the background.
Princess Lalla Salma, the wife of Morocco’s ruler, King Mohammed VI, and the first spouse of a Moroccan ruler to have been publicly acknowledged and given a royal title – has been missing for two years.
Rumors about her disappearance have been legion. One of the most circulated versions is that the couple had divorced and that the 40-year-old princess is hiding in Morocco or abroad. But it has never been confirmed by the palace or members of the royal family and the country’s media has chosen not to mention it.
