The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry says that he and the Duchess, Meghan Markle have had a great experience and have made some fond memories while on their short visit to Fiji.
Shouts of bula was the response from the crowd as the Duke addressed hundreds of people that gathered to farewell them at Nadi International Airport.
Following the traditional farewell, the Duke unveiled a statue of Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba, who was a Fijian member of the elite British Special Air Service, who single‑handedly held off 250 attackers from taking an army base 46 years ago.
WATCH: #PrinceHarry honour SAS Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba as the Duke unveils a statue commemorating his sacrifice in single-handedly holding off 250 attackers from taking British base. Read more on @DailyMirror #RoyalVisitFiji 🇫🇯 #HarryAndMeghan pic.twitter.com/RysWyHfmp5
— Russell Myers (@rjmyers) October 25, 2018
The Duke and Duchess also met with members of Labalaba’s regiment who were also part of the farewell this morning while 52 year old, Isaia Dere who is the son of the late Fijian Hero Sergeant Labalaba was present at the farewell and unveiling ceremony.
Labalaba was posthumously awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his bravery and this was received by his son Isaia Dere, the award was presented by President, Jioji Konrote.
Labalaba, one of the SAS's greatest heroes, gave his life in an epic struggle to defend his fellow soldiers at the Battle of Mirbat, in what is now Yemen in 1972.
The then 30‑year‑old held off 250 opposition fighters for six hours after sprinting through enemy fire to single‑handedly man a three‑person machine gun.
He suffered a bullet to the jaw and ignored his wounds to hold off the guerrilla force until the Sultan's Strikemaster jets arrived.
Earlier this morning Crowds of people stood around in bright colours and waved flags during the commencement of the traditional farewell ceremony for the Duke and Duchess that is being performed by the villagers of Nawaka.
People also broke out in cheers as the President, Jioji Konrote and the First Lady Sarote Konrote received the Duke and Duchess to escort them to their seats.
Also present at the traditional farewell was Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Leader of Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa and other Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries.
The Duke and Duchess will travel to Tonga later today where they will be met by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Tonga, Angelika Latu‑fui‑peka.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
