Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hit the beach Friday in Australia, where they donned floral leis and met with representatives of a mental health advocacy group -- a key theme in their royal foundation's work.
The royal couple visited the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where they met with representatives from the OneWave Organization, a local group that works to raise awareness for mental health.
Meghan, who is currently pregnant with the couple's first child, donned a Martin Grant maxi dress -- continuing her tradition of dressing in Australian designers during her visit Down Under.
???????Preparing to surf — The Duke and Duchess meet OneWave surfers on Fluro Friday! #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/pdjd6D0LKl
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2018
She revealed she had woken up at 4:30 am to do yoga, calling it "so good for healing your mind."
The Duchess of Sussex, who is about 12 weeks along, also spoke out about her pregnancy, saying it was "like having jet lag without actually traveling."
On the picturesque beach, the couple participated in one of the OneWave organization's Fluro Friday Sunrise sessions, where people of all ages and from all backgrounds are invited to share their experiences of mental health issues.
? Joining the ‘Anti Bad Vibe Circle’ at Bondi Beach, as people of all ages from the OneWave Community share their experiences of mental health issues with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/fgwIR8my3s
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2018
The OneWave organization encourages its participants -- now in over 20 countries and at more than 100 beaches around the world -- to destigmatize and speak openly about mental health.
To turn the tide on stigma surrounding mental health issues, OneWave is encouraging people to share their experiences of living with mental health issues and the power of opening up using #OneRoyalFluroWave #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/YGvk8vmptC
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2018
Raising awareness surrounding mental health issues has been a cornerstone of the humanitarian work Harry and Meghan, as well as Prince William and Princess Kate.
While on the beach, Harry and Meghan also met with some local surfers, as well as dozens of well-wishers who showed up to greet them during their Australia tour.
???????Preparing to surf — The Duke and Duchess meet OneWave surfers on Fluro Friday! #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/pdjd6D0LKl
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2018
Later in the day, Prince Harry went solo to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise the flag of the Invictus Games, which kickoff this weekend in Sydney. He was accompanied on the climb by Invictus Games competitors and the prime minister of Australia.
The Duke of Sussex, @InvictusSydney competitors and the Prime Minister of Australia climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge to view the raising of the Invictus flag ahead of #IG2018. #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/wVpGZCL06H
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 19, 2018
Harry, a military veteran, founded the Paralympic-style competition for wounded sick and injured service members in 2014. It is one of his most important accomplishments and has been an inspiration to many in the military community recovering from their wounds and suffering from invisible injuries.
Meghan changed into a blue dress by Roksanda Ilincic for a visit with Harry to a local girls' high school, where they watched a contemporary dance performance.
?? A beautiful performance at Macarthur Girls High school, which The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting to to see their inspirational work being done by students in human rights, social justice and women's empowerment. #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/eu4xhLDm4z
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 19, 2018
Harry and Meghan also met with young people involved in a program that focuses on "building a positive sense of self, setting goals, appreciating diversity, developing communication skills and work with others to achieve common goals," according to Kensington Palace.
Meghan, who grew up in Los Angeles, told the students that her first job, at age 14, including "taking out the trash," which, she said, made her the person she is today.
Visiting the National Rugby League's @NRLCommunity In League In Harmony programme at Macarthur Girls High school, which works to unite and empower young people to be advocates of positive change in their communities. #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/niVRwYJjd8
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 19, 2018
The @NRLCommunity's In League In Harmony programme focuses on building a positive sense of self, setting goals, appreciating diversity, developing communication skills and work with others to achieve common goals. #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/UNJueLt8vt
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 19, 2018
