Prince Harry hails 'stunningly beautiful' Tonga as royal couple arrive on Pacific island

Robert Jobson25 October 2018

The Duke of Sussex praised Tonga’s “stunningly beautiful” scenery today as the royal couple arrived on the Pacific island as part of their state tour .

Prince Harry said visiting the nation and meeting the Tongan Royals was like meeting members of his extended family.

Airport staff carried a banner saying "Welcome Harry and Meghan" and schoolchildren who had been given the day off lined the roads between Fua'amotu airport and capital city Nuku'alofa to welcome the couple.

At the welcome ceremony, Prince Harry said: “My wife and I are incredibly honoured to be your guests at this very special occasion in such a magical setting.

“Coming to Tonga I feel very much as though I am coming to visit an extended family.

“My grandparents have visited a number of times and Your Majesties have been frequent visitors to see my family over the years. We have a strong bond as members of the Commonwealth; we share so much history - and common values.”

He spoke of the Tongan soldiers served with our allies during the First and Second World Wars and later independently to offer support in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Tongan hospitality is world renowned; your islands are stunningly beautiful offering tourists rugged coastlines, humpback whales and coral reefs.

“Tongan artists such as Uili Lousi are winning international awards and your magnificent artefacts were a highlight at the recent Oceania exhibition in London, which my wife enjoyed very much when she opened it.

“For a small population you have a very large presence on the world stage - a product of your talent and drive. We are both so looking forward to meeting many of you tomorrow- learning more about your culture and development as a strong and independent country.”

He said he and Meghan were excited to visit the Queen's Commonwealth canopy and are thankful for this country’s wider commitment to the environment by safeguarding the oceans and tackling climate change.

“We are also pleased that our visit comes at a time when the British Government is reopening its High Commission here, which will lead to far more opportunities for collaboration between our two countries in the future.”

He then read out a message from the Queen which said: “Your Majesties, it gives me great pleasure that my grandson and his wife are visiting The Kingdom of Tonga.

“Our two families have enjoyed a deep and warm friendship over many years, and I hope that our close relationship continues with the next generation.”

“To this day, I remember with fondness Queen Salote's attendance at my own Coronation, while Prince Philip and I have cherished memories from our three wonderful visits to your country in 1953, 1970 and 1977.”

Tonga is the latest stop on the whirlwind tour for the couple, with the parents-to-be having already visited Australia to open the Invictus Games, and Fiji.

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The couple will return to Australia on Friday before finishing their 16-day tour in New Zealand.

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