Transcript
Despite becoming a republic after the coups of 1987, the people of Fiji still value their relationship with the British monarchy according to the head of the advocacy group, the Citizens' Constitutional Forum.
"We still miss the Queen's birthday public holiday, we have Fijians in the British army, we lobbied for the government not to change our flag. The Union Jack is still there."
But Sara Bulutani Mataitawakilai says a royal visit around election time will interfere with the spirit of democracy.
"The thing is the election is the most important process in any democracy and also for a democracy in transition and the pre and the post election period is very important so that the space is created for the people to reflect on the electoral process to talk about elections, to talanoa."
A University of the South Pacific academic Vijay Naidu says Fiji's under thirty year olds likely care less about the royals than the older generation which has seen several visits by the Queen.
But he says Prince Harry and his new wife could be different.
"The fact that [Meghan] Markle identifies as a black American, that actually wins a lot of hearts and has gained renewed respect for the royal family because they are seen as being inclusive."
He says the incumbent government is likely to benefit from the visit.
"The visit by Prince Harry and Meghan would be another possible feather in the government's cap so, yeah, I think it has potential to be used to reinforce the feel-good feeling for the government."
Preparations are well underway for the election, only the second since the 2006 coup.
The incumbent FijiFirst government of Frank Bainimarama is up against several parties including the new HOPE party.
Its leader Tupou Draunidalo says they'll do their best to benefit from the good vibes too.
"If anything election time around Fiji in the last however many elections have always been a tense time so perhaps this goodwill, good cheer visit will hopefully keep nerves at bay for everyone...cheer people up a bit before we get to the stressful bit."'
Opposition parties are keeping mum on the major concerns they have about the visit according to ex chief of foreign affairs in Fiji Robin Nair.
The long-time diplomat says nowhere in the democratic world would a royal visit take place around election time.
"Its really inappropriate for a visit like this to take place because the whole idea is public relations not only for the royal family but for the government in Fiji."
With a huge international media pack trailing the couple, brand Fiji is likely to benefit.
The Hotel and Tourism Association president Dixon Seeto says it's yet to be revealed whether tourism hot spots are in the itinerary.
"I'm sure that prince Harry will say good things about us and that will be reported. At the same time it'll create a lot more awareness and interest about how beautiful Fiji is and I'm sure it'll translate to more visitor arrivals for Fiji."
Kensington Palace says the couple's programme focuses on youth leadership, environmental and conservation efforts.
In a statement Britains's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said royal visits are decided by a cabinet committee and are designed to support foreign policy objectives, with proposals coming from UK government departments, diplomatic posts overseas and the Royal Households.
"The Royal Visits Committee looks to minimise costs where possible. Given that Their Royal Highnesses are visiting Australia, New Zealand and Tonga next month, it makes sense for a visit to Fiji to take place at the same time. The visit is at the invitation of His Excellency the President of Fiji as the Head of State. The programme will be non-political and support bilateral relations between the two countries."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Suva on October the 23rd and 24th and Nadi on the 25th from where they'll depart for Tonga.
