THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in Rome to see one of Meghan’s close friends get married this weekend in a lavish ceremony.
The royal couple left baby Archie back home as they landed in Italy today ahead of the nuptials of fashion designer Misha Nonoo, 31, and oil tycoon boyfriend Michael Hess.
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Bahrain-born Misha is one of Meghan’s closest friends, and she was recentlyhired as the designer behind Meghan’s new Smart Works capsule collection.
A source told Fabulous Digital: “Misha helped introduce Harry to Meghan and the two women are the best of friends.
“Meghan wasn’t going to miss her wedding for the world.
“They’ve left Archie at home but it’s only for a couple of days and they will be back on Saturday.”
Two weeks ago Meghan jetted to New York to watch palSerena Williams play in the final of the US Open, leaving Harry and Archie back at Frogmore Cottage.
The royal couple came under fire this summer for takingfour private jets in 11 days after speaking out about climate change, but are said to have taken a public flight.
The source said: “They did fly commerical as Meghan was a bit stung by the criticism over her and Harry’s use of private jets.”
Misha’s wedding comes just days before the couple fly as a family-of-three for their 10 – day royal tour in southern Africa , which starts on Monday.
The nuptials are set to be a star-studded affair, with the likes of Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Krushner, model Karlie Kloss, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom on the guest list.
The Sussexes won’t be the only royals in attendance, as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are also expected to attend.
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Misha was the fashion designer behind Meghan’s capsule Smart Works collection, which launched this monthCredit: PA: Press Association
Around 300 guests in total have been invited to the extravagant wedding, and strong security measures have been taken to ensure privacy.
The celebrations are said to be including a party at the legendary film studios Cinecitta, where numerous reputable directors have worked.
This is the second marriage for Misha, who was previously with Paddle8 founder Alexander Gilkes.
In their first joint interview on November 27, 2017 Meghan and Harry revealed they were set up by a female mutual friend.
Although they didn’t name names, Misha has long been considered by some fans to be the matchmaker.
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HOW DOES MISHA NONOO KNOW PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE?
Misha married British socialite Alexander Gilkes, the co-founder of New York based online auction house Paddle8, in Venice in 2012.
Alexander knows Prince Harry from his Eton days, and is good friends with his cousin Princess Eugenie – who was, for a short while, employed by Paddle8.
The couple were guests at Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, while Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, as well as James Middleton, all attended their big day.
Alexander’s younger brother Charlie also dated Pippa Middleton for several years.
The couple, who met in London in 2003,were reported to have splitin October 2016.
She and Meghan are pals, and the Suits actress even woreMisha Nonoo’s Easy 8 Husband Shirt, which costs £ 139, during her first public appearance with Harry – at the Invictus Games.
Speaking about their matchmaker, Harry said: “It was through her and then we met once and then twice back to back two dates in London, last July.
“And then it was I think about three, maybe four weeks later that I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana.
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“We camped out with each other under the stars – she came and joined me for five days out there , which was absolutely fantastic. “
Misha chose Meghan’s May 2018 royal wedding to make her first appearance with boyfriend Michael.
The fashion designer was also among the guest atMeghan’s baby shower in New York, which involved the party booking out the city’s most expensive hotel suite.
ROYAL AFRICA TOUR
Day One:Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will visit a workshop in Cape Town that teaches children about their rights and provides self-defense classes
The couple will also tour District Six Museum to learn about the work done to reunite people affected by the apartheid.
Day Two:The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel to Monwabisi Beach to learn about Waves for Change.
They will also see the work of the Lunchbox Fund, which provides meals to schools across towns and rural areas.
Prince Harry will then join the City of Cape Town Marine Unit to learn about the work done to combat poaching.
In the afternoon, Meghan and Harry will visit the oldest mosque in the country and finally attend a reception at the British High Commissioner’s Resident.
Day Three:The Sussexes will meet the Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs Tutu at their legacy foundation.
Meghan will then stay in South Africa, visiting the Woodstock Exchange that encourages female entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry goes to Botswana where he will join school kids to plant trees.
Day Four:Meghan Markle will take part in a Women in Public Service breakfast.
Day Five:Prince Harry will go to Angola, seeing the legacy that his mother Princess Diana started in raising awareness for the threat of landmines.
He will also visit where his mother was famously photographed.
Day Six:Prince Harry will meet with President Lourenco at the Presidential Palace.
He will then visit a maternity hospital before traveling to Malawi.
Day Seven:Prince Harry will visit a local college that supports women obtaining and education.
He will also meet wiith President Peter Mutharika.
Day Eight:Prince Harry will fly to a national park to pay tribute to guardsman Mathew Talbot, who lost his life while on An anti-poaching patrol.
Day Nine:The Duke will visit the Mauwa Heath Center before heading back to South Africa
Day Ten:Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will again join up, meeting with inspiring local youth
They will also meet with Grace Machel, the widow of the late President Nelson Mandela
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