Fijian fans have a very weird nickname for Meghan Markle
Hundreds of Fijians, keen to be near the Duchess of Sussex, pushed their way towards the royal at Suva Market, including one waving a sign with an odd nickname
MEGHAN Markle has been given an unusual new nickname, with the pregnant Duchess dubbed “our Barbie girl” by Fijian fans.
On their second day at the tropical island in the heart of the South Pacific, the royal couple were cheered and received a giant “Bula” (welcome) from large crowds.
Children held up signs declaring: “We love you Harry and Meghan” and women laughed and smiled as they waved flags at the couple.
But the most notable sign gave Meghan the strange nickname of “our Barbie girl”.
During her 10-minute tour of Suva Market, hundreds of locals pushed their way to “try and get a glimpse of the Duchess of Sussex”, reports the .
With Harry wearing a Fijian shirt and Meghan's hair adorned with fresh flowers, the royal couple visited the Municipal Market and the University of the South Pacific in the capital of Suva.
Meghan was later seen carrying a clutch bag she bought at the market, reports .
The Duchess was travelling to Suva Market to meet some of the female vendors who have become empowered through a UN Women’s project.
However, her appearance was cut short due to a "security risk", with Kensington Palace blaming the huge crowds.
The 37-year-old was being given a tour of the markets when security forces intervened.
The Duchess of Sussex also attended a morning tea reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Suva.
Prince Harry delivered a speech at a dedication of the Colo-i-Suva forest to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
Pregnant Meghan Markle today revealed her struggle to afford university during a powerful first official speech as a member of the Royal Family.
Glowing Meghan spoke about how the "journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one" during a trip to the University of the South Pacific.
She said: "I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included.
"It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition - that I was able to attend university.
"And, without question, it was worth every effort."
Harry, 34, had earlier laid a wreath and met Fijian war veterans without his pregnant wife.
Meghan who has already skipped events in Australia, arrived later in the day to give her first speech of the royal tour.
The couple were met by musicians and cheering crowds as they arrived to mark the university's 50th anniversary.
The mum-to-be arrived wearing a pink Figue Frederica printed dress and flowers in her hair, with Harry in a blue shirt.
The royals have been carrying out an official visit to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand, which started on Tuesday October 16, and ends on Wednesday October 31.
It’s the Duke and Duchess’s first joint visit to these four countries.
The 16-day tour focuses on youth leadership and projects being undertaken by young people to address the social, economic and environmental challenges of the region.
In her speech today at the uni Meghan also said: "Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive.
"And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.
"Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development.
"Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them."
After the uni visit Harry made a trip to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park with Meghan heading to the British High Commissioner's Residence and Suva Market.
She was rushed through her visit to the indoor market in Fiji's capital over apparent concerns about the location's security.
Earlier in the day Harry left a touching personal note during a wreath laying ceremony.
The duke laid the wreath on a hook on the memorial stone with a note reading: "In grateful memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
"Loloma kei na masu (Love and prayers)."
He then went to talk to Fijian war veterans, including a number who had served with the British Armed Forces.
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The duke spoke of his admiration for the Fijian service personnel at the black tie dinner hosted by the president on Tuesday night.
In his speech, he said: "Your soldiers fought with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars and continue to serve alongside our soldiers to this day, with more than 1,250 Fijians currently serving.
"I must emphasise my respect, admiration and camaraderie with the Fijian soldiers that I served with in Afghanistan. We trained together, we fought together, and most importantly we laughed together."
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