Little boy stole the show by freely tugging at Prince Harry's beard
When arriving in Dubbo, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan were greeted by officials. These included NSW Police Minister and a member for Dubbo, Troy Grant and Mayor Ben Shields.
The couple then went to meet and greet a couple of school children. One boy stole the show with his energy and affectionate demeanor.
Video footage caught the moment Luke Vincent, 5, threw himself into Prince Harry’s arms as he leaned in for a hug. The prince squeezed him tightly before the little boy touched his beard and tugged at it lightly.
Vincent was seen brushing the prince’s beard as if he’d known him for a long time. The little boy was then given flowers to hand over to Duchess Meghan.
For more on this story go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa. Vincent did his duty before leaning in for a hug from the Duchess.
However, his affection for Harry wasn’t complete as he leaned in for another hug. Both Harry and Meghan couldn’t stop smiling at the boy’s antics.
A wonderful welcome from local schoolchildren as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive in Dubbo 🇦🇺 #RoyalVisitAustralia pic.twitter.com/C25zQ9Q1Ru
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 17, 2018
The little boy was seen touching Harry’s hair for good measure. Reports revealed that Vincent was actually quite fascinated by beards.
He also has Down’s syndrome. Vincent had been the last in the official line of children waiting to greet the couple as they arrived by plane from Sydney.
Vincent’s principal at Buninyong Public School Principal, Anne van Dartel, said it was a moment they would never forget. Van Dartel explained that they’d taken 21 children to meet the Royals.
She added:
“Prince Harry walked along the line speaking personally to every student, asking them their name, their school and favourite subjects and sports.”
Dubbo, we’re coming to see you... #RoyalVisitAustralia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/1vc4AA0dXw
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 16, 2018
Van Dartel explained:
“It was really special for each of them. The way the Duke and Duchess gave every student individualised attention was truly exceptional.”
Their first official engagement in Dubbo is at the dedication of a new plane for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. They also visited a drought-stricken farm and a local school.
That is one of the most adorable things I've seen in quite some time & I teared up. #Studio10
— MLo (@MLoParis) October 17, 2018
While at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Harry was recorded parodying the “Aussie salute.” The salute is where Australians wave their hands in front of their faces to keep away flies.
Absolutely utterly beautiful. Thank you for posting this.
— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) October 17, 2018
Harry playfully swatted flies away from Ruth Sandow, a representative of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, while she delivered a speech about the body's importance to remote Australia.
Our hearts are melting watching the moment a young Dubbo schoolboy dived into the arms of Prince Harry & Meghan. 😍 #RoyalTour #Studio10 pic.twitter.com/JJ7sK2uRje
— Studio 10 (@Studio10au) October 16, 2018
His pregnant wife couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his antics. People on social media loved the genuine moment where the prince let down his guard.