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The Duchess of Sussex appeared shy when guests greeted her with a hongi – a traditional Maori greeting.
Meghan was shown a large artwork by four New Zealand women, from the Mata Aho Collective, who greeted the Duchess by pressing their nose with hers.
Artist Sarah Hudson said: “We thought it might be a nice bit of practice before she comes to the Pacific next month and it’s nice to be able to practise something that’s customary for us.
“She’s honouring our heritage and it’s so humbling.”
Meghan also greeted New Zealand’s high commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife Janine with the customary practice.
The ‘Oceania’ exhibition marks Meghan’s first solo royal event without her husband, Prince Harry.
The Duchess dazzled in a £2,510 black Givenchy dress, featuring puffed sleeves and a velvet clutch belt.
She topped her look off with a £1,390 black clutch bag, also by designer Givenchy – a proven go-to for the Duchess, along with a pair of £490 Aquazzura stilettos.
Meghan switched her hair style up from her usual loose curls, sporting poker straight locks for the evening event.
The Oceania Exhibition showcases art work from indigenous craftsmen spanning over 500 years.
Commenting on the exhibit, Meghan said: “It’s so special. It’s spectacular.”
She added: “It’s a great introduction to the sights and sounds of that part of the world.”
The Duchess received a tour of ‘Oceania’, viewing various exhibits from New Zealand, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and Australia.
Meghan then joined 800 guests, including artists and exhibitioners, to a private function to celebrate their triumphant project.
Carmel Sepuloni, New Zealand’s associate minister of arts, culture and heritage, told guests: “What a great honour it is to have Her Royal Highness to attend this event as her first solo duty as a member of the Royal Family.”
The exhibition marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy, with Britain’s first ever major showcase of Oceanic artwork from the past and present.
Around 200 works from public collections worldwide have been put on display.
The exhibition will also showcase artwork by British who joined Cook on his voyage to the Pacific.
Today’s preview is held before its official opening on Saturday, where members of the public can view the exhibit.
The exhibition prepares Meghan for her official royal tour with husband, Prince Harry next month.
In October, the royals are set to embark on a 16-day Australian tour, and will visit Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Prince Harry will be hosting the 2018 Invictus games, where wounded and sick military personnel will compete in a series of sporting games.
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