Prince Harry meets starstruck young fan in Wellington

Sunday, 28 October 2018

Harry Smith, 7, arrived at Pukeahu National War Memorial at 8.30am in hope of meeting his namesake, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex took a moment to speak to the boy, asking who painted his sign.

Royal fever hit the capital when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down for the final leg of their royal tour - but no-one was more excited than Harry Smith.

The seven-year-old arrived at Pukeahu National War Memorial to claim a spot at the fence at 8.30am on Sunday.

And he brought along a hand-painted sign that read: 'Hi Harry I'm Harry' in the hopes the Royal couple will spot him.

Waiting for Prince Harry and Meghan's public walkabout, young Harry said he didn't quite know what to say if he got the chance to speak to the royals.

**READ MORE:

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex laid a wreath at the National War Memorial before greeting the thousands that had come to catch a glimpse.

* Live: Duke and Duchess of Sussex tour NZ

* The best moments from day one of the Royal Tour

* How to meet the royal couple while they are in New Zealand

* What will happen to all the gifts given to Harry and Meghan?**

Prince Harry superfan Harry Smith had been at the fence at Pukeahu since 8.30am with his hand painted sign reading “Hi Harry I’m Harry'.

'Hopefully I'll think of something in a minute,' he said.

Turns out, the wait was 'definitely worth it' as the prince made a beeline for his namesake.

Harry met Little Harry!! 😂😂 #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/NYr2EKrDUd

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

— aris🕊 (@meghmarkle) October 28, 2018

More than 2000 royal fans waited to see the couple in person.

Prince Harry took a moment to speak to the boy, and asked about who painted his sign.

Mother Nicola Smith said her son was starstruck by the prince, but explained he handpainted the with some help.

It was certainly the most famous person he had met, she said.

Though he waited all-day, young Harry was all tooth-less grin and surprised to have accomplished his dream.

'I never thought I'd meet him.'

More than 2000 people gathered at the war memorial hoping to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds.

And much to the crowd's delight, the couple's walkabout ran over schedule, much to the delight of their fans.

Among the gifts the couple received received so far include multiple bags of pineapple lumps, a large dog soft toy and a handmade brooch, which Meghan chose to wear.

The brooch designer, Alexandra MacKay, 10, from Wellington said she was in shock after meeting the Duchess and having her accept the red rose brooch she made this morning with her friend Rebecca Sainsbury, 10.

A moment everyone was waiting for finally eventuated with the Duke given a buzzy bee toy for their impending arrival. Harry raised it above his head victoriously.

Earlier, the Duke and Duchess placed the wreath of fern fronds on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

This will be the couple's only public appearance in the capital while they are in the country for the next three days.

There will be more opportunities for the public to see the in Auckland, and Rotorua.