Meghan Markle’s royal tour will be a ‘baptism of fire’, according to former royal aide
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry will soon be setting off on their royal tour Down Under – and it might be more intense than we think.
A former palace aide has said that the experience in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga will be a “real baptism of fire” for the Duchess of Sussex, 37.
Former spokesperson for the Queen, Dickie Arbiter, told the : “I think Meghan has been on a tremendous learning curve. It’s another thing entirely getting to grips with everything involved with royal duty.”
The royal couple are set to open the Invictus Games in Sydney on October 20, and Dickie described the tour as “the litmus test”.
He explained: “She’s had a taste of the Invictus Games in Toronto last year but she was Harry’s girlfriend. Now she is his wife there will be much more expectation.
“She’s a good communicator, she’s good at talking to people but it will be a real baptism of fire. They will have a very demanding schedule and the Duchess will have to get used to local customs with the eyes of the world on her.
“But no doubt she will come through with flying colours and they will show they will be a force of good for the Commonwealth and the Royal Family on the global stage.”
Dickie was full of praise for how Meghan has handled public appearances since her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19.
He said she has taken royal life “in her stride” and looks “fantastically in love” with Prince Harry.
Dickie claimed that royal sources have said she has been preparing for the big tour for months and he expects the experience will help her gain confidence.
Kensington Palace announced that the trip would coincide with the Invictus Games, which are being held in Sydney from October 20-27.
Exact dates have not yet been released, but the newlyweds are likely to be away for at least a fortnight.
Harry's parents Charles and Diana travelled 23,691 miles and spent 41 days overseas when they made their first trip as a married couple to Australia and New Zealand, in 1983.
In April 2014, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also went to Australia and New Zealand, spending just 18 days away but covering a similar distance of 23,701 miles.
The royal couple will be visiting Australia and New Zealand, as well as Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga.
All eyes will be on Meghan for the demanding trip, her first tour of this magnitude as the Duchess of Sussex.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
We recently shared how David Beckham will be joining Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on part of their royal tour.
We also revealed the bizarre reason Meghan and Harry won't have custody of their own children.
Meghan's wedding dress could be going on display at Windsor Castle…and we can’t wait.