The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrapped a mini-tour to Morocco on Monday after a series of engagements focused on women’s and youth issues. The trip began on Saturday evening when the couple landed in Casablanca after an hour+ delay thanks to flying commercial (the horror). They were greeted by the UK’s ambassador to Morocco, Thomas Reilly, and then participated in an elaborate welcome ceremony in which Harry inspected a guard of honor from the Auxiliary Forces.
At King Mohammed’s palace – where the couple resided while in the country – they were greeted by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, the eldest son of King Mohammed VI and his wife, Princess Lalla Salma. (A quick note on Salma since this was widely reported in coverage of the trip – she hasn’t been seen publicly since the end of 2017, prompting speculation that the couple are currently estranged or divorced. She is rumored to be living privately in Morocco or abroad with the couple’s daughter, Lalla Khadija.)
With that, the “first day” was done. Meghan debuted a new dress by Valentino in its signature red – a fitting nod to the Moroccan flag. I haven’t seen an ID on the heels, but the blush pink bag is also Valentino. I thought this was a solid win, and a perfect arrival look.
Day Two took Harry and Meghan to Asni, where they began the day at an “Education for All” boarding house (a Moroccan NGO) in the Atlas mountains. The organization allows girls and young women to live closer to school, ensuring they are able to complete their educations. The Kensington Palace Twitter feed noted on Sunday that, “70% of women & girls in Morocco are illiterate. Many have limited access to secondary school or no means of affording transport to school.”
Meghan busted out her “high school French” to speak with some of the students the couple met and also took part in a Henna ceremony in honor of her pregnancy.
The next stop was over to a nearby secondary school, Lycée Collegial Le Grand Atlas, where the couple met with local school children, visited the school’s facilities and participated in a game of football.
Harry also carried out an investiture at the original site of the Education for All boarding house to commemorate Michael McHugo’s work in gender equality in education.
For the day, Meghan wore a navy Alice & Olivia blazer over a Misha Nonoo cashmere sweater and a grey Aritzia scarf. She alternated between Manolo Blahnik heels indoors and her trusty black Birdies slippers outside (personally, I’m a huge fan of Birdies and can attest their shoes are SO comfortable), and later made a switch from the sweater to a white silk Aritzia blouse. The jeans are from Rag & Bone maternity line, which are no doubt highly necessary at the seven month mark(!)
From there the couple returned to their residence to get ready for their evening engagement, a reception at the British Ambassador’s residence. The event featured guests representing different sects of Moroccan society who are “helping to shape modern Morocco,” per KP.
Meghan looked stunning in a cream and gold gown by Christian Dior finished off with gold Dior heels and a matching gold Dior clutch. Her earrings are Birks, and she’s worn them on a number of occasions previously, including the couple’s recent Oceania tour.
With that, let’s wrap this up with Day Three (in a separate post).