Shannen Findlay
International Travel

A special moment: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s emotional meeting

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have both shared an emotional experience on the last day of their African Royal Tour.

The couple had the privilege to meet with Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's widow in Johannesburg, a figure the Royal Family are familiar with.

The special meeting was followed by a meaningful speech by Prince Harry in Tembisa where he spoke about how the African continent “embraced” him after he lost his mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke, 35, greeted the 73-year-old humanitarian with a kiss on each cheek and his face lit up as they spoke animatedly.

This isn’t the first time he has met with Machel, as he met with her in London earlier this year - however it was the first time his wife, 37, had the opportunity to embrace Nelson Mandela’s widow.

"It's wonderful meeting you," Mrs Machel told the Duchess, before adding: "I'm sure we're going to be working together in the future.

“I can feel the vibe."

They definitely did share a special connection as they spoke closely and walked hand in hand inside.

The pair share similar beliefs and hopes for underprivileged families, and like the Duchess of Sussex, Mrs Machel has been an advocate for women's and children's rights.

The Mozambique-born humanitarian was even appointed as an honourary Dame in Britain in 1997 for her incredible work throughout her life.

Mrs Machel was married to Nelson Mandela from 1998 until his death in 2013.

Prince Harry last visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation during a trip to South Africa in 2015.

While inside, the three chatted away about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s trip and Mrs Manchel brought up his late mother, Princess Di.

"So nice to see you in Angola," she said. "The Princess of Wales and all the steps she has taken… It was wonderful."

Duchess Meghan was donned in a blush pink dress royal fans have seen her wear in the past.

The Mac-style frock was created by House of Nonie and hugged her curves while adding a glow to her skin.

The Duchess previously wore to the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at London's Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall in July 2018.

The same day, the couple attended a closing garden party in honour of the royal duo which celebrated South Africa’s and the UK’s business relationship.

In a heartfelt speech, the Duchess summed up her and her husband’s 10-day Africa trip.

"From the moment we arrived we were greeted by the rhythm and energy of the Mbokodo girls in Nyanga - and I knew that this trip was going to be something incredibly special,” she said.

"So, just begin by saying thank you to all of the people we've met - on behalf of both of us, and of course Archie - we are so grateful. This trip has meant so much to us as a family, but also to me personally.”

The royal also added: "Over the past 10 days our family has had emotional moments, we've poignant moments, we've had spiritual moments; we've met inspirational leaders in every walk of life, and we've been treated to incredible food, music, and dancing, but above all, we have been able to meet the people that are the rocks behind the sort of work that really means a so much to us.

"So whether for Harry, Archie and me in South Africa, or for my husband as he was travelling Botswana, Angola and Malawi, please know that you have all given us so much inspiration, so much hope - and above all, you have given us joy."

Scroll through the gallery above to see photographs of the Duke and Duchess’s beautiful meeting with Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's widow.

Tags:
Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan, Royals, Nelson Mandela