Mercedes, who is eight months pregnant, said: “Meghan said that she (Catalina) was beautiful, and asked her for a hug.
“We were trying to mime hugging in the background.
“We were just so excited to see her.”
People started queuing hours before the royal party arrived and among the signs was one saying “Fancy a cuppa, Megs? I have banana bread”, while another said “Hello your royal bumpness”.
As well as the array of flowers and soft toys, the couple also received a typically Kiwi present during the walkabout.
A group of children were there from Glenholme School and caught the attention of Harry and Meghan by performing their school version of the haka when the couple approached.
Meanwhile, a year two teacher at the school, Sue Cauldwell, bravely tried to give Harry a kiss – but failed.
The married 62-year-old had met Princess Anne in the 1970s and was particularly excited to meet her nephew.
She was “on a promise to get a kiss” as part of a joke with her husband’s colleague.
Despite people behind Mrs Cauldwell saying “go for it”, Harry was not as keen and joked: “Oh no, I can’t do that. I might get into trouble.”
