Watch: Sweet moment Meghan Markle pulls young fan out of the Rotorua crowd for hug

October 31, 2018

Prince Harry also petted a lucky pooch in Rotorua this afternoon.

One young royal fan was lucky enough to be pulled out of the crowd for a hug from the Duchess of Sussex in Rotorua this afternoon.

Prince Harry and Meghan were greeted by thousands of cheering fans as they took part in their final public walkabout of their New Zealand tour.

Like she did in Auckland the day before, Meghan gave a special hug to one young royal fan allowing her through the barricade.

Prince Harry also took time out to pet a lucky pooch who was brought along to meet the royal couple.

The Duke of Sussex is getting some practice in before he becomes a father.

Despite the last day of the tour Prince Harry is still greeting everyone with genuine warmth.

Royal watcher Barry Jenkins said it was incredible "it is a great day."

Debbie Whare and Reta Mutua had been waiting since 10am and had a fluffy kiwi toy to give Meghan and Harry. "We hope they take it for their baby."

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, who walked behind the royals during the walk through, described it as 'spectacular'.

Earlier in the day the Duke and Duchess of Sussex got up close and personal with a New Zealand icon on their visit to Rotorua, and got to name two kiwi chicks.

The royal couple are on the final day of their tour.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's fourth and final day in the country saw the royal couple visit Rainbow Springs to see for themselves the centre's kiwi breeding programme.

Guided by Kiwi for Kiwi's Michelle Impey and Rainbow Springs husbandry manager Emma Bean, the royal couple went behind the scenes of the hatchery - where a kiwi chick hatched just minutes before their arrival.

The couple named the three-day old chicks, one from the Coromandel, one from Taranaki, Koha, meaning gift, and Tihei, from the Māori saying 'tihei mauriora' meaning 'the sneeze of life'.

Both the Duke and Duchess expressed surprise when it was revealed kiwi's have a navel.

They also appeared delighted to see the kiwi's whiskers and nostrils.

Ms Impey told the Duke and Duchess that "our name says it all" and said they hoped that their conservation work would secure a future for Kiwis in the North Island, a sentiment echoed by Rainbow Springs chief executive Quinton Hall.

The couple were also presented the couple with a fern ornament that represented the kiwi's habitat.

"Please take this taonga and pass it on to your children and grandchildren," Mr Hall said.

A crowd of around 100 people assembled at Rainbow Springs, 45 minutes ahead of the royal visit.

Ms Impey said the visit, and the global coverage the royal couple bring, would be good for kiwi conservation.

"There’s a lot of preparation in hosting the royals but it’s worth it," Ms Impey said.

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