Watch: Royal fan overcome with emotion as she receives hug from Meghan in Auckland - 'That was incredible!'

October 30, 2018

Hannah Sergel said Meghan used to follow her on Instagram and they had spoken before but it was their first time meeting in person.

A young fan was overcome with emotion after the Duchess of Sussex stopped to speak to her before leaving the Viaduct Harbour during a public walk in Auckland this afternoon.

Hannah Sergel said Meghan used to follow her on Instagram and that they had chatted before, but this was their first time meeting in person.

Ms Sergel had travelled from Christchurch for the event.

"She said, 'Thank you for getting in touch,' and then she gave me a hug and said she would read my letter that I gave her," Ms Sergel told 1 NEWS.

"I was friends with her on Instagram before she had to deactivate her account. We used to have conversations and stuff on there.

"She would tell me to do well at university and encourage me to be myself.

"It means the world to me. I am so shaky and flustered. When I first saw her, I cried."

The sun broke through the clouds for the royal visit after a day of wet weather.

The royals were joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

Prince Harry and Meghan appeared to be in high spirits despite today's wild and unpredictable weather, as they smiled and shook hands with fans.

The girl gifted Harry and Meghan a tui plush toy.

A young girl in the crowd was moved to tears when she handed the Duchess a bouquet of flowers, while Prince Harry accepted a card and small elephant toy, as well as what appeared to be a jar of Marmite.

The Duke then stopped to greet a toddler holding a plush toy, holding it to his ear to hear the noises it could make.

The royals joined children from the ‘Trees in Survival’ group for the competition.

Earlier in the day, Meghan and Prince Harry battled the elements as they helped unveil the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Redvale, on the North Shore, before joining children from the 'Trees in Survival' group in a gumboot throwing contest.

SHARE ME

More Stories