The Duchess of Sussex was forced to leave an official engagement at Fiji’s Suva Market early due to security risks and “crowd management issues”.
Meghan was at the market in the Fijian capital to meet with female entrepreneurs, but her visit was cut short by her team after just six minutes due to the huge crowds who had gathered to see her.
Related article: Meghan And Harry’s Balcony Moment In Fiji Is Just Like Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip’s In 1953
The 37-year-old royal – who is pregnant with her first child – was meant to spend around 20 minutes speaking with vendors, but only spoke to a handful of people before being ushered out.
A royal aide said: “It was hot, humid and uncomfortably busy and there were far larger crowds than expected. She met everyone she was meant to meet and left. There would have been a lot of people who would have been keen to meet her but she did meet those who had hoped to. On advice she was taken out due to a crowd management issue.”
Related article: See Every Photo Of Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Of Their Australian Royal Tour
Royal correspondent Rebecca English observed that despite there being “huge crowds” at the market, they were reportedly being kept back by the police.
Meghan’s visit to the market in Suva has been cut short due to a ‘security risk’ – KP blaming massive crowds.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 23, 2018
The Duchess spent just six minutes in the market and only met a handful of people. She should have been there around 20. There were huge crowds but they were being kept back by the police. It was very hot and humid, however, so perhaps that played a part in their decision.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 24, 2018
However, the journalist did note that that it was very hot and humid, and suggested that the palace were being overly cautious as Meghan is pregnant.
"Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.” — The Duchess of Sussex at @UniSouthPacific #RoyalVisitFiji pic.twitter.com/ZWXxiBNcEY
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 24, 2018
During her visit to Fiji, the duchess gave an empowering speech about the importance of education for girls and young women and the beneficial influence it has on society at the University of the South Pacific.
The former actress also announced that two new grants will be awarded to Fiji National University and the University of the South Pacific, allowing them to run workshops to empower their female staff.
Related article: What Happens When You Become Meghan Markle’s Favorite Designer
For the outing in Fiji, Meghan wore a pretty printed dress by Figue with our favourite affordable CASTANER WEDGED ESPADRILLES.
The duke and duchess’s 16-day tour will also include visits to Togo and New Zealand.
This article originally appeared on Harper’s Bazaar UK.
