During Harry and Meghan’s visit: earthquake in New Zealand

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the North Island of New Zealand on Tuesday. Meanwhile, pregnant Duchess Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, were in Auckland.

The tremor, which occurred at 3:14 pm local time, lasted about half a minute. The center was at a depth of about 200 kilometers near Taumarunui. According to the authorities, there was no serious damage. New Zealand is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the most geologically active region on Earth. Earthquakes are not uncommon there. Initially the power was given as 6.7.

The earthquake was also felt in many residential buildings and office buildings. Parliament in Wellington – about 360 kilometers away, in the far south of the North Island – suspended its session for a short period. Media reports said that British Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who were in Auckland in the north of the country, were not aware of the earthquake. New Zealand is the couple’s final stop on a two-week Pacific cruise.

During their visit to New Zealand, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan met with staff from Voices of Hope, which cares for young people suffering from psychological distress. The two expressed their admiration for the work. “They’re all doing a really excellent job,” the 36-year-old Suits actress said.

New Zealand is the last stop on the royal couple’s tour of four countries in the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the official meetings, the program also included a hike in Abel Tasman National Park and a visit to the famous tourist resort of Rotorua on the North Island. Harry and Meghan ended their 16-day trip on Thursday.