Meghan Markle's has hongi with Kiwi artist ahead of her NZ trip   26 Sep 2018

26 September 2018

"It's a great introduction to the sights and sounds of that part of the world," the Duchess said of the exhibition.

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan (formerly Markle), has experienced her first hongi in London. 

The Duchess was the guest of honour at the opening of the Royal Academy's Oceania exhibition which featured a large work by a collective of Maori artists. 

Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess met the creators of Kiko Moana which "draws on a long tradition of textile arts among Maori women".

The announcement included a short clip of the Duchess talking to the artists and viewing the work - a large hanging textile piece. 

The Duchess was welcomed to the event with a powhiri, after which she performed a hongi with hosts that included our high commissioner in the UK, former Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife, Janine, according to the Daily Mail.

Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is welcomed with a traditional Maori greeting of rubbing noses known as a 'hongi' as she opens 'Oceania' at Royal Academy of Arts on September 25, 2018 in London, England. 'Oceania' is the first-ever major survey of Oceanic art to be held in the United Kingdom

While given a tour of the exhibit, Meghan viewed many of the 200 artefacts on show at the exhibition and told New Zealand video artist Lisa Reihani "It's so special. It's spectacular."

The Duchess said it was a perfect introduction to the region she and Prince Harry will be visiting next month.

"It's a great introduction to the sights and sounds of that part of the world," the Daily Mail reported her as saying.

 - Stuff
 Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool

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