EVERYONE was dazzled by the beautiful white dress Meghan Markle wore to a dinner and reception in Tonga last night.
But the designer has just revealed something far more interesting about the garment.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a floor-length, white gown with silver beaded embellishments by evening wear label Theia for a special evening reception on her first night in Tonga last night.
Don O’Neill, 52, confirmed that the Duchess “loved” the dress but requested it include “extra seam allowance”.
The alterations request was made two weeks before they announced the pregnancy on October 15, suggesting they knew long in advance that a royal may have been on the way.
“We knew immediately why this extra allowance was required, but Mum’s the word,” the designer told MailOnline.
The royal pair looked ready to walk down the aisle again, with Prince Harry donning a black tux as he walked alongside his wife.
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You may have also missed the second callback to their glamorous royal wedding — an aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s jewellery collection, which Meghan wore as a tribute to her mother-in-law.
The ring, believed to be a gift from Prince Harry, was created in 1997 by Asprey. It has an emerald-cut aquamarine and small solitaire diamonds, and is set in 24 carat yellow-gold.
The Duchess first wore the ring during her royal wedding reception, so it only seemed fitting to wear it for another matrimonial-like event.
Kensington Palace announced Meghan’s pregnancy on October 15, ending days of speculation. They are expecting a baby in the UK’s spring, which begins on March 20 and will run through until June 21.
ROYALS SAY FAREWELL TO TONGA
Meghan and Harry have bid farewell to the King and Queen of Tonga.
Locals could be heard singing in the background as Meghan and Harry said their goodbyes to King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu.
The royal are now on their way back to Sydney ahead of the Australian Geographic Society Awards tonight.
MEGHAN DAZZLES IN VERONICA BEARD DRESS
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry changed outfits for their QCC rainforest reserve walk as they continue the final day of their Tonga tour.
The Duchess wore a mid-length sky-blue $A840 Cary dress by American label Veronica Beard, with rolled up sleeves. She also wore a necklace with a deep-blue stone in the middle.
Prince Harry donned a navy blue button-up shirt tucked into beige chinos.
The pair visited Tupou College to unveil a Commonwealth Canopy dedication, and Prince Harry gave a speech to mark the occasion.
“My wife and I are so pleased to be here today to mark the dedication of not one but two forest areas to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative, which started in 2015 in honour of my grandmother’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth,” he said.
“Tonga is leading by example and understands deeply the impact of environmental changes because they directly affect these islands. Planting trees and conserving forests helps us in so many ways.
“It is a simple but effective way to restore and repair our environment, clean the air, protect the habitat and enhance our health and wellbeing.”
ROYALS DON TRADITIONAL GARLANDS FOR MARKET VISIT
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex donned gorgeous red flower garlands and red-and-cream skirts at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre on the second of their tour of Tonga.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited an exhibition of local Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths.
The royal pair walked hand-in-hand to see the handicrafts on the final day of their Tonga visit.
Their skirts are called Taovalas, and are traditionally given as a mark of respect to higher ranks.
Just prior to this, they watched a beautiful solo dance — known as a Ta’ulunga — at a National YOuth Event at Fa’oemlua Convention Centre.
Earlier this morning, Meghan and Harry arrived at the St George Government Building to meet with the Prime Minister of Tonga, Akilisi Pohiva, and other Cabinet ministers.
The Duchess was glowing in a $1600 striped forest-green-and-white Martin Grant dress — the second time she has worn the Australian designer on her 16-day tour of the South Pacific.
She paired the dress with matching green Manolo Blahnik pumps and a beige Prada clutch. The Duchess also wore Pave Cubiz Zirconia earrings and had her hair tied back in an elegant ponytail.
Prince Harry looked sharp as ever for the meeting in a blue-grey suit, with suede navy boots and a light blue tie.
The pair will later bid farewell to King Tupou VI.
Later this evening, Meghan and Harry will return to Sydney to open the Australian Geographic Society Awards.
MEGHAN’S SENTIMENTAL TRIBUTE TO DIANA
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned royals fans during an evening reception and dinner at Tonga’s Royal Palace last night.
The royal pair met King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u for the special dinner occasion.
They also met Pita Taufatofua, the Tongan taekwondo practitioner who went viral over his shirtless appearance at the 2016 Summer Olympics opening.
“What a night! Was an honour meeting Prince Harry, Meghan and their amazing team,” he wrote in an Instagram post this morning.
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