Fiji and Great Britain share Commonwealth values and common goals, a love of rugby and a sense of humor, our ties run deep.

These were the words of the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry while speaking at the State Dinner and Reception hosted by the President Jioji Konrote last night at the Grand Pacific Hotel.                             

Prince Harry says that he was overwhelmed by the warm Fijian welcome they received from the people yesterday afternoon.

He also reiterated that Fiji has a long tradition of welcoming Royal visitors over the years and the two countries have enjoyed a close relationship and friendship adding that this visit to Fiji is special for him and the Duchess Meghan Markel.

The Duke of Sussex has also stated that many countries including Great Britain look to Fiji to provide leadership on environmental issues which affect all of us, and that have been affecting Fiji as an island nation for many, many years.

He has also commended Fiji as a proud and vibrant culture whose people are so gentle but proud, honourable and resourceful.

Upon their arrival at the traditional welcome ceremony yesterday, the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry says he and the Dutchess of Sussex Meghan Markle hope to meet as many Fijians as possible over the next two days.

Following the traditional welcome ceremony at Albert Park last night, Prince Harry addressed the hundreds of people that gathered to welcome them.

But what was even more significant for the Duke and Dutchess of Sussex was that they were able to stand and wave to the crowd from the balcony at the Grand Pacific Hotel where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip did the same in 1953.

Crowds of people stood in the rain to witness the royal couple wave from the GPH balcony.

Meanwhile today the Prince Harry will lay a wreath at the War Memorial at 8am this morning and will meet a number of Fijian war veterans, some of whom served with the British Armed Forces.

Students and Staff of the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus will also have a chance to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at 10am as Prince Harry will speak in his capacity as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and Meghan Markle will also say a few words.

At 11am this morning the Duke will travel to Colo i Suva Forest Park and the Duchess to the British High Commissioner’s Residence before taking a tour of the Suva Market at 11.30am.