A little boy has stolen the show as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Dubbo on Wednesday morning.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in the rural New South Wales town at 10:30am on their Royal Australian Air Force jet.
The couple were met by the city’s mayor Ben Shields and their engagements will include the unveiling of a new aircraft to mark the 90th anniversary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, meeting a drought-affected farming family and attending a community picnic.
While walking to meet the crowds, one particular toddler took the spotlight.
5-year-old Luke Vincent, from Buninyong Public School, hugged the Duchess of Sussex excitedly.
Meghan couldn’t hide her joy, beaming at the adorable scene.
The tot then made his way over the the Duke and seemingly whispered something in his ear.
Luke was mesmerised by the duke’s facial hair, principal Anne Van Darrel said.
“He got a hug from Meghan and then Harry bent down to speak to him and Luke didn’t give him any choice!” she said.
“Luke’s favourite person in the world is Santa Claus, who has a beard. So he rubbed Harry’s beard.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for these little country kids to meet people they’ve only ever seen on TV.”
In another video shared by Channel Seven, the toddler can be seen stroking Harry’s beard several times.
His carer’s laugh as the royal lets him continue.
The Duke and Duchess spent around 15 minutes shaking hands, hugging youngsters and in Meghan’s case, accepting posies of flowers.
James Fogg, 11, from Eumungerie Public School, which has just nine pupils, told Harry he wanted to be a helicopter pilot.
“Good choice, good man,” The Duke replied.
James said: “This is so exciting for Dubbo. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet them.”
Five year old Lyra Rose, of Dubbo South Public School, said: “It’s the first time I have met a princess and I will remember it forever.”
School captain Mali Hopkins-Davies, 12, said: “Harry asked us when we had had rain. They seemed to know a lot about the drought.”
Millie Sutcliffe, 10, from Dubbo South Public School, hugged both royals.
“My wish came true. I said congratulations on the baby and they thanked me. I said ‘I love you guys’ and I got a hug. “They said ‘thank you for coming to meet us, you guys are awesome’.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
