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Meghan Markle giggles during traditional Māori greeting


She’s about to visit New Zealand in just a matter of weeks, but it seems Meghan Markle was a little taken aback by a traditional Māori greeting in London yesterday.

The 37-year-old took part in her first official solo engagement as the Duchess of Sussex, when she visited the ‘Oceania’ opening at the Royal Academy of Arts.

And while Meghan has previously been greeted with a Māori hongi at the Anzac Day dawn service in April this year, she couldn’t help but giggle when was introduced to Kiwi guests by rubbing their noses together.

Meghan Markle was caught on camera giggling during a traditional Māori greeting in London yesterday. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle was caught on camera giggling during a traditional Māori greeting in London yesterday. Photo: Getty Images

The hongi, which sees Kiwis pressing their nose and forehead against their guest’s nose and forehead is a centuries-old Māori tradition and has previously been carried out with Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Later, the Duchess met with curators and artists from the Academy, and she also wanted a performance from Ngāti Rānana, a Māori cultural group.

Later, the Duchess met with curators and artists from the Academy, as well as descendants linked to the works displayed. Photo: Getty Images
Later, the Duchess met with curators and artists from the Academy, as well as descendants linked to the works displayed. Photo: Getty Images
On her way into the event, Meghan shocked royal watchers by closing her own car door. Photo: Getty Images
On her way into the event, Meghan shocked royal watchers by closing her own car door. Photo: Getty Images

Meghan stunned at the event in a $9,000 outfit, which included a $4,500 long-sleeve Givenchy dress, teamed with a matching jewel-topped, a $3,900 clutch bag and Aquazurra Deneuve bow pumps.

The exhibit features around 200 works from collections worldwide and marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy

Works from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Tonga, are included in the collection.

On her way into the event, Meghan shocked royal watchers by closing her own car door.

One Twitter user even commented saying they think it’s the first time they’ve ever seen a royal close their own car door while ‘on-duty’.

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