They didn't bring sunshine but Prince Harry and Meghan's arrival certainly did lift the spirit of thousands of Fijians who gathered for an official welcome ceremony at Albert Park in Suva.
And the warmth and hospitality showcased to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was at its Fijian best.
Britain's Prince Harry and and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex wave from the balcony of the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji. Photo: AFP or licensors
People of all ethnicities, young and old started to trickle into the large park in the centre of the Fijian capital at least three hours before the start of yesterday's beautifully crafted traditional ceremony.
People opened their umbrellas and huddled together when it started to drizzle. When the rain stopped, umbrellas went down and the Union Jack and Fijian flag went up.
Prince Harry joined the list of royals who have now tasted kava on Fijian soil. When he was presented with the bowl, people held their breath - waiting for him to take a gulp.
He waited too before his Fijian aide informed him politely that he was free to consume the magical drink.
About 100 men performed a war dance or meke for the couple who then moved across the road to the Grand Pacific Hotel.
In a nostalgic nod to Prince Harry's grandmother's visit in 1953, Prince Harry and Meghan stood at the same spot on the hotel's balcony as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh did then.
The crowd erupted into cheers after a 30 second royal wave and the couple walked back inside for a state dinner.
It started to pour, the umbrellas went up again and life went back to normal for the Fijian people.
Controversy
While all was spectacular to the eye, all was not well behind the scenes, with concern expressed that important aspects of iTaukei protocol had been changed for the opening ceremony.
The traditional acknowledgement of Fiji's three confederacies and the titles of their chiefs were dropped and instead the President, Prime Minister, and Fiji's 14 provinces were mentioned, according to observers.
Fiji-UK link
The royal visit showed many Fijians still hold their historical link with the British dear.
Ruled as a colony of the British for 96 years, Fiji gained back its independence in 1970.
The Union Jack remains part of the national flag despite the declaration of Fiji as a Republic, a chequered relationship with the Commonwealth after coups, and the Bainimarama government's attempt to rid it of colonial symbols in 2015.
"The bond with the Queen is still there," a woman from Suva said tearfully.
People wave British and Fijian flags as they wait for Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, to arrive for a traditional welcome ceremony. Photo: AFP or licensors
