Seventy-year-old Leba Adimaibole from Moala in Lau was overcome with emotion yesterday when she saw the royal couple at Albert Park last night.

A teary Ms Adimaibole recalled seeing the Duke of Sussex grandmother Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Fiji in 1953 and his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985.

She said she was touched to see Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, smile and wave to the crowd.

Ms Adimaibole said it reminded her of the late Princess Diana, who was known to many as the People’s Princess.

“They are very down-to-earth royals who like mingling with people. I have been closely following their tour in Australia on television,” Ms Adimaibole said.

In all excitement to catch a glimpse of the royals, the Raiwaqa resident made her way to the Albert Park at 2pm, a good four hours ahead of the official programme.

Donning a Fiji flag-like sarong she said she bought her costume and her salusalu (garland) especially for the welcome ceremony.

“They would be delighted to see everyone here to greet them especially the children,” she said further acknowledging the men who participated in the traditional ceremonies of welcome and the dance performance.

Thousands of people turned up at the Albert Park last night to welcome the Duke and the Duchess to Fiji.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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