Meghan Markle passes gift to her assistant in technique perfected by late Queen

Dorothy Reddin
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:54:07 +0000

Meghan Markle displayed a technique perfected by the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Melbourne hospital visit on Tuesday, deftly transferring floral gifts to a waiting aide without pausing her walk.

The Duchess of Sussex received an orchid and another flower from young cancer patients at the Royal Children's Hospital, passing them smoothly to staff as she continued through the facility.

This manoeuvre has long been employed by working royals to maintain free hands for greeting well-wishers.

The duke and duchess spent nearly three-quarters of an hour chatting with children and their families, both in the hospital's atrium and on the wards.

Four-year-old patient Lily had prepared a hand-drawn sign reading "Welcome Harry and Meghan" and presented the duchess with a flower upon their arrival.

Meghan embraced the young girl, saying: "Oh my gosh, this is so sweet. I love it."

Harry enquired about Lily's artwork, asking: "That's beautiful. How long did it take?"

The couple participated in a garden therapy session, examining plants and flowers with patients. When offered some gumtree to take home, the duke quipped: "I would, but I think I'd probably get arrested at some point."

They also visited wards where they met patients receiving treatment for eating disorders.

Following the hospital engagement, the duchess headed alone to a women's refuge operated by McAuley Community Services for Women, which provides crisis accommodation and support for those affected by family violence and homelessness.

Wearing an apron, Meghan served frittata to residents at the centre, which offers round-the-clock refuge services alongside programmes focused on recovery and independence.

The mother-of-two accessorised with heart-shaped earrings valued at £1,100, a Tiffany gold bracelet, and Princess Diana's Cartier watch.

After serving several people, she asked: "Is anyone else hungry?" while smiling at those gathered.

The duchess joined residents at a table, mentioning: "We landed here this morning, so my jet lag hasn't quite hit yet."

The couple later reconvened at the National Veterans Arts Museum for a family craft session.

The informal approach to titles became apparent when Australia's first poet laureate for veterans, Steve Cotterill, asked how to address the couple at the National Veterans Arts Museum.

Harry responded with a shrug and smile: "However you like," before Meghan added: "Call me Meg?"

Staff travelling with the Sussexes had earlier reassured those waiting at the children's hospital about protocol, stating: "Harry and Meghan is fine. They're pretty relaxed."