Duke and Duchess of Sussex late for Morocco tour - As it happened



harry meghan morocco
Updated: February 24, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, walking hand-in-hand in front of an Australian Air Force plane.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Morocco on Saturday evening a little later than expected due to their delayed Royal Air Maroc flight.

WATCH: Live video of the pair's arrival

Harry and Meghan travelled by a scheduled flight which was late arriving in the UK, Kensington Palace said. Harry and Meghan were greeted by the British Ambassador to Morocco and his wife at Casablanca airport. The intention of the visit is to highlight Morocco's focus on women’s empowerment, girl's education, inclusivity, and the encouragement of social entrepreneurship.

READ: Meghan Markle's tour entourage revealed - and there's no doctor on board!

Meghan, who is due to give birth in spring, is travelling with an entourage of nine people, including two assistant private secretaries, three communications team members, a digital officer, a programme coordinator, a logistics coordinator and a hairdresser. However, perhaps quite surprisingly, the heavily pregnant Duchess is not travelling with a doctor. According to official sources "medical provisions have been made" for the weekend trip.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a red dress, shakes hands with a man in a suit.

Meghan wore a stunning bespoke Valentino red dress while Prince Harry looked dapper in a suit. Full outfit details can be found here.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stand on a red carpet with officials.© Photo: Rex

Britain's ambassador to Morocco Thomas Reilly, who welcomed the couple when they arrived at Casablanca airport, said Morocco's promotion of women and girls, its inclusivity, and social entrepreneurship were "close to their royal highnesses' hearts".

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, walk hand-in-hand on a red carpet, flanked by formal-dressed individuals.© Photo: Rex

Harry inspected a guard of honour from the Auxiliary Forces. The heavily pregnant Duchess walked behind her husband as he looked over the troops who had been patiently waiting for over an hour.

MORE: Why did Meghan Markle not walk with Prince Harry down the red carpet until the very end?

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex sitting in a car.© Photo: Rex

Tthe couple left the airport to stay as guests of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI at a royal residence.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, receive a tray of tea from a server.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to meet Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan at a Royal Residence. 

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