Meghan Markle Wears Traditional Head Scarf to Mosque Visit During Royal Tour of Africa

Rachel McRady‍
Updated

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are continuing to pack in the events on their royal tour of Africa. On Tuesday, after a beach event, the couple visited the Auwul Mosque in Bo Kaap as a part of Heritage Day.

Meghan changed out of her casual beach attire from the morning into an olive green, floor-length dress and a traditional white head scarf as a sign of respect. As for Harry, he changed into a tan suit with brown shoes and a white shirt underneath. The couple arrived at the mosque holding hands after they were seen sharing a kiss publicly earlier in the day.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The mosque welcomes visitors of all denominations. It is the first mosque in South Africa, and the couple had the opportunity to view the first known manuscript of the Qu’ran in South Africa. Inside, Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, sat on the floor of the mosque and spoke with local leaders.

More images from Heritage Day in Bo Kaap. As part of their visit, Their Royal Highnesses visited the Auwal Mosque – the first and oldest Mosque in South Africa. Standing as a symbol of the freedom of former slaves to worship, the Mosque hosts events with Muslim, Christian and Jewish young leaders, and encourages friendship and understanding between South Africa's varied communities. The Duke and Duchess also got to view the first known manuscript of the Qu’ran in Africa, drafted by Tuan Guru from memory, whilst he was imprisoned on Robben Island. ••• Heritage Day celebrated the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions that make up the rainbow nation. Bo Kaap streets filled with colour and music while Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed to one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Cape Town. The area has seen inter-community tension rise over the last few years, yet days like today show how faith, traditions, food and music bring people together, and celebrate the things that unite each and every one of us. #RoyalVisitSouthAfrica • Photo ©️ Shuttershock / PA images

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 24, 2019 at 8:40am PDT

Happy Heritage Day South Africa! 🇿🇦 • Today we are celebrating the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions that make up the rainbow nation. Bo Kaap streets filled with colour and music while Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed to one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Cape Town. The area has seen inter-community tension rise over the last few years, yet days like today show how faith, traditions, food and music bring people together, and celebrate the things that unite each and every one of us. The Duke and Duchess are so happy to have been invited to the festivities in Bo Kaap today, and were overwhelmed by the amazing welcome. #RoyalVisitSouthAfrica • Photo ©️ photos PA images / SussexRoyal

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 24, 2019 at 8:02am PDT

Meghan certainly isn’t the first female member of the royal family to don a headscarf as a sign of respect to Muslim culture. Both her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, and her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, have made appearances in similar white head scarves.

Princess Diana and Kate Middleton
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images, Chris Jackson

Following the visit, Meghan removed the head scarf to greet locals who had come out to catch a glimpse of the royals. A loud brass band played lively music for the couple as they shook hands and hugged well-wishers.

For more from the royal tour of Africa, watch the clip below:

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