OF COURSE the big news is that these two are expecting a baby this spring, which is VERY EXCITING! YAY BABIES!
And as far as the tour is concerned, let’s start with some logistics. First! This is a LONG TRIP — they don’t get back until Halloween! — and given the time difference, a lot of it will happen overnight for us here in Los Angeles (I seriously spent a really long time trying to do a lot of clock math to even figure out when this post should be published and then I gave up). As has previously been the case on these royal tours, we will probably pop up Surprise Middle of the Night posts now and then, but mostly it’s going to be a post or two a day covering all of Harry and Meghan’s shenanigans — regardless of when, I promise that Heather and I will cover all of it.
Next: Here’s video of their arrival in Sydney on Sunday — they didn’t do a formal Deplaning Event this tour. My favorite detail here is that Meghan is clutching a giant binder (I also love that it’s coordinated with her coat). Sure, this was probably in part to conceal her pregnancy, but this is a long trip with a lot of engagements, one must do one’s homework! I’m excited about your baby, yes, but I am also here for all of any school supply discussions, Meghan. Like, the best everyday pen in the world is the Uni-ball Gel: Discuss.
#BREAKING: We’ve received our first sighting of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Sydney! Welcome to Australia Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! #9Today pic.twitter.com/t8TKmqSmgQ
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 14, 2018
(Alex Apatoff Besen on Twitter pointed out to me that is was VERY Northwestern, which reminded me that Northwestern had their homecoming this weekend and their school color is, in fact, purple. I decided this was a shout-out to from Meghan to her school.)
They kicked off the tour today with koalas (as one is contractually obligated to do in Australia, I believe; Wills and Kate did it, too! ) as well as kangaroos — some of which were living and some of which were not:
Harry and Meghan have been give a kangaroo and its Joey. Our first baby gift! Exclaims Meghan. pic.twitter.com/Lxvc3QQYCh
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 15, 2018
I, and many people on Twitter, read that tweet too quickly and thought they had been gifted a REAL kangaroo and I was concerned about how they planned to get it home.
Also, KOALAS:
Video: You can’t get more Aussie than stroking a koala! Harry gingerly strokes one at Taronga Zoo. pic.twitter.com/uwDBqmmnSk
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 15, 2018
LOOK AT THIS ANIMAL:
The Duke and Duchess meet Lynx, a short legged echinda. The couple ask if he is drooling because he’s stressed, and are told no, he’s “excited to see them” #royalvisitaustralia #tarongazoo pic.twitter.com/Zsxb8VVjw3
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 15, 2018
Royals: They’re just like us!
She’s just like us…. honest! #meghan changed into flat shoes for her walk to get the the boat across Sydney harbour to the Opera House & Walkabout. I confess I’m in low heels today. Roya tours are all about flats! #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/STCgIoIzfp
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 16, 2018
Well. This is already fun.