Pregnant Meghan hails ‘healing’ power of yoga as royal couple visit Bondi Beach
Hundreds of well-wishers had gathered as the duke and duchess made waves at Sydney’s famous beach.
The Duchess of Sussex woke up at 4.30am to do yoga and told a group at Bondi Beach it was “so good for healing your mind”.
Meghan and Harry visited the famous beach for Fluro Friday, a session aimed at encouraging discussion around mental health which included an “anti-bad vibes” circle and yoga practice.
The couple arrived to cheers at 8.30am, with Meghan wearing a stripy maxi dress by Martin Grant and Harry a blue shirt and chinos.
Charlotte Connell, 35, was at the beach with her son Finn and said the duchess had been suffering from the “double whammy” of jet lag and pregnancy.
Mrs Connell, who is 23 weeks pregnant, said: “Meghan told me that pregnancy was like having jet lag.
“She said she was up at 4.30am this morning doing yoga in her room as she couldn’t sleep.
“It’s a bit of a double whammy for her, she said, as she has both the baby and jet lag to contend with.”
Hundreds of royal fans took to the beach, hoping to catch a royal wave on the latest stop for Harry and Meghan on their 16-day tour to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
One sign held by a member of the crowd said: “Happy Fluro Friday Harry and Meghan. Well worth the flight from Brisbane and the 3.30 alarm. Please make my dreams come true. Meghan, come say g’day.”
The duke and duchess met members of OneWave, a local surfing community group which raises awareness of mental health issues and holds the Fluro Friday sessions weekly.
They then went on to meet the lifeguard stars of TV show Bondi Rescue – who presented the couple with a lifeguard outfit for their forthcoming baby.
“We had a bit of a laugh because last time he was here he was out for a run and he said ‘Last time I was a bit sweaty when I met you’.
“We got them a little lifeguard uniform – mini shorts, mini shirt.”
Anthony Carroll, known as Harries, added: “It was amazing, they’re such beautiful, down-to-earth people.
“I’m really humbled and proud.”
Four-year-old Olivia Rose Ryan was one of the last to see the duke and duchess as they left the beach.
The youngster, who had been watching from her grandmother’s balcony, held out a hairband to the couple and Harry did a quick U-turn from entering the car to say hello.
Olivia Rose’s mother Louisa, 38, said: “He said thank you very much for the present for the baby.
“He was beautiful, charming and just lovely.”
This afternoon, Harry will climb Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Invictus competitors to raise the flag for the games.
Their last engagements of the day will be meetings with Bill Shorten, leader of the opposition, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
