Prince Harry and Meghan Markle forced to evacuate Government House in New Zealand

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were forced to evacuate a building following a fire alarm in New Zealand. 

A reception in Wellington at Government House for Harry and pregnant Meghan was derailed when everyone was ordered to leave the building immediately.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were attending a dinner to commemorate the 125th anniversary of women being given the right to vote in in New Zealand.

At first, no-one knew what had caused the sudden evacuation and there was some panic.

All the guests were forced to leave Government House while security did a sweep of the premises.

Following the evacuation, there were no reports of any injuries. Early reports suggested the alarm may have been accidentally triggered by a kitchen appliance, but Government House spokeswoman Nerina Bennett later clarified that it was caused by an air freshener atomiser in a ground floor toilet!

The event then continued as planned.

Meghan wowed the crowd in one of her most elegant looks yet -  a black US$2495 (A$3517) Gabriela Hearst gown,  which looked to have been altered to give the Duchess a little more material to cover her shoulders and black sandals.

She received a cheer from the other guests after beginning her speech Bout women's voting rights with the formal Maori greeting “tēnā koutou katoa.”

The royal couple continue their tour of New Zealand today.