Meghan Markle stepped out on maternity leave for a very important reason

Last week, Kensington Palace confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex had no more official engagements on the calendar in the lead-up to giving birth to she and Prince Harry's first child together in April. However, the Duchess joined Harry for a surprise public appearance today to honour the 49 victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand earlier this week. 

The pair visited New Zealand House in London, laying flowers outside the entrance to the building and exchanging traditional Maori greetings with several delegates before signing the guest book, writing "We are with you" before signing off with "Arohanui" which translated means much love or with deep affection. 

In a mark of solidarity, Meghan wore a pair of feathered earrings gifted to her by the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Arden during their royal tour of New Zealand last year. 

The outing came after Kate Middleton made her first totally solo outing with The Queen today.