Pregnant Meghan Markle's visit to crowded Fiji market cut short due to 'security risk'
The Duchess of Sussex was seen rushing out of the sweltering Fiji market due to a security scare and also 'crowd control' problems. 37-year-old Meghan Markle who is pregnant with her and Prince Harry's first child was ushered out by her new bodyguard.
Moments earlier, Meghan was seen whispering to her security before being ushered out by her bodyguards from the hot and sweaty marketplace in Suva, the Fiji capital. The market tour was meant to last 20 minutes but Meghan left within six minutes of getting there. The 20-minute tour was meant for Meghan to meet female stall holders who were a part of the UN women's project 'Markets for Change'.
The last-minute change in plans was reportedly due to a 'security risk' and the Kensington Palace blamed the massive crowds. One of Meghan's royal aides shared that it was "hot, humid and uncomfortably busy."
A video clip taken on the scene shows the very moment Meghan's chief bodyguard and other protection officers sensed that something was very off and they promptly escorted her through the crowds. The visit to the Fiji market marked the 9th day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' 16-day tour. It was their first day in the country's capital. The pair had earlier visited the University of South Pacific campus where Harry unveiled The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Project.
Meghan was seen wearing a very vibrant red color dress by Figue which is estimated to cost USD 1,495. The dress featured a v-neckline, long sleeves, and asymmetrical ruffle hem and seashell detail.
During Meghan's visit to the Fiji market, many people had gathered to see the Duchess of Sussex. The crowds were left disappointed and surprised as Meghan left early. However, onlookers described their meeting as friendly. They also shared how the crowds were being held back from Meghan by the police and also by her royal security. As reported by DailyMail, one royal aide shared, "‘It was hot, humid and uncomfortably busy and there were far larger crowds than expected. On advice, she was taken out due to crowd management issues".
A stall holder who had been expecting a visit from the Duchess said, "It is such a shame as we were all very excited to meet her. We started preparing for the visit three weeks ago and had meant to meet her but she left without even saying hello".