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​Prince Harry Receives Hug From Kid With Down Syndrome In Australia

​Prince Harry Receives Hug From Kid With Down Syndrome In Australia

The kindergartener was so chuffed to meet Harry and Meghan that he couldn’t stop himself reaching out and stroking the Duke's beard

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

While many of us would like to pretend that we'd play it cool if we met a member of the Royal family, the truth is you'd probably turn into an awkward heap.

Mind you, if you bumped into Prince Harry and tried to slap him on the back in a chummy, you-alright-mate fashion, chances are some of his security personnel would jump out of nowhere and wrestle you to the floor.

But royal protocol was amazingly broken recently when a five-year-old kid touched Prince Harry's beard while he was on his tour in Australia with wife Meghan.

The couple had been in Dubbo, New South Wales, meeting volunteers from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and unveiling a new plane to mark 90 years of the organisation.

They'd also been visiting Buninyong Public School and its pupils, including young Luke Vincent.

PA

The kindergartner, who has Down Syndrome, was so chuffed to meet Harry and Meghan that he couldn't stop himself from reaching out and stroking the Duke's beard.

Without missing a beat, Harry jutted his chin out to let him stroke it, grinning.

Luke then handed Meghan a bouquet of flowers, before giving both of the royals a big fat hug.

The school's principal, Anne Van Dartel, said that Luke had been transfixed with Harry's facial hair.

She said: "He got a hug from Meghan and then Harry bent down to speak to him and Luke didn't give him any choice.

"Luke's favourite person in the world is Santa Claus, who has a beard. So he rubbed Harry's beard."

Van Dartel added: "It's been a wonderful experience for these little country kids to meet people they've only ever seen on TV."

Given that Harry and Meghan have just announced that they will be welcoming a baby next spring, it looks like they'll make the perfect parents.

They've been busy over in Australia - but it sounds like they're having a good time.

In his speech at Dubbo's Victoria Park, Prince Harry told the crowd: "Sixty-four years ago my grandparents, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were right here visiting all of you. It's a great pleasure to be able to visit this area now and be able to report back how much life has changed in the Great Western Plains region since then."

He added: "The greatest part about visiting Australia is the people. You are the salt to of the earth: honest, hardworking and as tough as they come. That resilience, sense of humour and commitment to the land are what make you unique.

"You are the backbone of this country."

Earlier this week, a news reporter in Australia presented pregnant Meghan with a massive bunch of flowers, with Harry telling him: "You can't give flowers that big to my wife! What's that all about?" before shaking his hand and laughing.

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: News, UK, Royal Family, Prince Harry

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