The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit is creating quite the spectacle as their colorful dancing and Meghan’s choice of dress became an instant international sensation. On their first official tour for the Queen, Prince Harry took his wife Meghan Markle and Baby Archie to South Africa, the country he’s long called his “second home.” Prince Harry first visited South Africa in 1997 at the age of 13.
With Prince Philip officially retired from public life and Queen Elizabeth getting older as well, it’s unsurprising she’s relying on younger family members to visit the far outreaches of the British Commonwealth.
Royal Visit to South Africa
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by school officials and dancers — and plenty of media — as they visited a Cape Town NGO, called The Justice Desk. The NGO is supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
The center teaches children about their rights, self-awareness, and safety. The couple, who held hands throughout, hugged and spoke with the children. They also danced to live music as they entered a neighborhood Methodist church.
The couple enjoyed the festivities.
Meghan Markle’s First Trip to South Africa
While Prince Harry considers South Africa his second home, it was Meghan’s first trip to the southernmost African country.
In her speech, she clearly showed a heartfelt affinity for the people.
“And just on one personal note, may I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of the royal family, I want you to know that for me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color and as your sister,” she said.
(RELATED: Meghan Markle’s Best Friend Says You’re Racist if You Don’t Like the Duchess)
Meghan Markle’s Dress Sells Out
Meghan Markle’s dress was apparently a hit as well. The Duchess’ choice became an international sensation much reminiscent of her fashion icon mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
At just 4-1/2 months post-partum, Meghan wore a black and white maxi-style wrap dress by Myamiko, a fair-trade brand out of Malawi.
https://twitter.com/misslefroy/status/1176120812006531073?s=20
According to the brand’s website, they strive to make clothes that are ethical and sustainable. And the company provides work and training for disadvantaged women, many of whom are affected by HIV.
Enough people must love it because, by the end of the day, the garment was sold out online.
Baby Archie’s Name
While Baby Archie is with his parents in South Africa, the four-month-old did not accompany his parents on their first outing.
(RELATED: Meghan Markle’s Sister Is at It Again, This Time Taking a Swing at Baby Archie)
However, the newest royal was bestowed with a traditional South African Xhosa name: Ntsika.
Jessica Dewhurst of The Justice Desk explained the meaning and why it’s apt for Baby Archie.
“The reason we chose that was mostly because Archie means the same thing that Ntsika does. So Archie means strength, it means bravery and the South African equivalent of that is Ntsika,” Dewhurst said.
“When you get your traditional name it’s what you will look up to be. So when they give you a name it’s your wish for you and your future.”
They also gave Harry and Meghan a hoodie with “Ntsika” on it.
The family has nine more days left of their trip. Including to some of South Africa’s most dangerous cities. To many parents, traveling with a baby might give those cities a run for their money in the dread category. But, hopefully, everyone makes it home none the worse for wear.