The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Morocco, with the royals showing their support of education for girls by visiting an all-female secondary school in the small village of Asni.
The school, reports BBC News, is run by a local group that runs a boarding house and offers classes for girls who come rural areas of Morocco, whose families are not able to afford their education.
Harry and Meghan reportedly flew to Asni by helicopter from the capital city of Rabat, part of the couple’s three-day visit to Morocco.
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Upon their arrival, the couple were welcomed by the girls, who sang songs and waved flags to celebrate the royal visit, with the students posing for photos with the prince and his pregnant wife.
Meanwhile, Kensington Palace shared highlights of the couple’s visit via Twitter, noting that 70 per cent of girls and women in Morocco are illiterate, indicating the importance of schools such as this one.
During the visit, the duchess — who is expecting her first child this spring — was given a temporary henna tattoo on her left hand.
Student Samira Ouaadi, 17, drew a floral pattern on Meghan’s hand, and told BBC News, “It’s tradition for pregnant women in Morocco to have a henna tattoo. We do it for major celebrations like getting married or having a baby.”
When the tattoo was completed, the duchess said the design was “really lovely,” and showed it off to Harry.
Ouaddi spoke with Associated Press about her interaction with Meghan and Harry. “They know that our families live far from us. They asked me about how far my village is and if I miss my family,” she explained, adding that she was honoured to create the tattoo.
“It will make my parents really proud when I tell them the story,” she added. “It was so much pressure to do henna on a princess. I was shaking, but she comforted me and said that it’s all okay. She gave me hope.”
In the evening, the Duchess had her third outfit change into a bespoke Dior gown for the night at the British Ambassador’s home. They were greeted by the Ambassador’s daughters, Orla, 12, and Elsa, 8, who gave Markle flowers and took part in a traditional rose water greeting.
Other guests included entrepreneurs, disabled athletes, and influential women who the royals mingled with.
Harry and Meghan are expected to return to Britain on Tuesday.
