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Mahurangi College student and star of Young Ocean Explorers Riley Hathaway was given an opportunity to get up close to royalty last month.
The 17-year-old attended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Government House in Wellington on October 28, where Meghan Markle spoke on 125 years of women’s suffrage.
Riley was chosen to attend following her success with Ocean Explorers, but she was surprised to get an invite.
“I got a letter about a month before the event, it was a real shock when I opened it and I felt very honoured to be invited,” Riley says.
Around 150 people attended the meeting, including Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges.
“There were lots of amazing women there, from someone who invented a horse saddle for disabled people to cricket players and business owners.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet Meghan personally, because time got cut short due to a fire alarm at the start of the event, but it was really inspiring listening to her speech.”
Riley is finishing her last year at school and will do a three-week North Island schools tour with her father Steve Hathaway over summer, delivering the Ocean Explorers programme.
Next year, she has plans to travel to Europe and will also continue filming for the programme after receiving more funding to deliver the show.
