2LT Local News

Dubbo will be the only regional centre visited by Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan on their trip to the South Pacific next month.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will tour Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand from 16 October to 31 October 2018.

The visit to Dubbo will take place soon after the Duke and Duchess’s arrival in Australia. They will start their tour in Sydney on 16 October, and will visit Dubbo the following day.

The programme across the four Commonwealth countries will focus on youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts – including the dedication of several new Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy projects – and the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen and women through the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

Following is the full itinerary of the Royal coup[le:

– Tuesday 16th October:     Sydney, Australia            

– Wednesday 17th October:    Dubbo, Australia

– Thursday 18th October:    Melbourne, Australia 

– Friday 19th October:    Sydney, Australia

– Saturday 20th October:    Sydney, Australia        

– Sunday 21st October:    Sydney, Australia

– Monday 22nd October:    Fraser Island, Australia 

– Tuesday 23rd October:    Suva, Fiji

– Wednesday 24th October:    Suva, Fiji 

– Thursday 25th October:    Nadi, Fiji and Nuku’alofa, Tonga    

– Friday 26th October:    Nuku’alofa, Tonga and Sydney, Australia 

– Saturday 27th October:    Sydney, Australia 

– Sunday 28th October:    Wellington, New Zealand

– Monday 29th October:    Wellington and Abel Tasman, New Zealand

– Tuesday 30th October:    Auckland, New Zealand

– Wednesday 31st October:    Rotorua, New Zealand

The selection of Dubbo as being the only regional centre to be visited may have something to do with the drought gripping the east coast of Australia, and being particularly bad in the Central West. Late last month the Queen sent a message of support to those suffering from the worst drought in living memory.

“I know Australia as a land where extremes of weather, floods and droughts are taken in their stride, and life goes on with a stoic and determined spirit,” she said. “It is clear, however, that the current drought is taking an immense toll, especially on those living and working in rural communities, who are, in so many ways, the very heart and soul of Australia.”

“It is heartening and reassuring to see that families, communities and the entire nation are working together and supporting each other at this time of need,” the queen said.  

“My thoughts and prayers are with the many individuals, families, communities and businesses who have been affected, and I send my sincere thanks to all those who stand shoulder-to-shoulder in their support.”