Earlier this week, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared the news that they were expecting their first child, with fans of the royals all over the world rejoicing over the news.
But only hours after they made the big announcement, the famed couple made public appearances on the first day of their royal tour of Australia.
Their sightseeing included a visit to Taronga Zoo, where they opened the new Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, as well as posing for a few photos with some cute koalas.
After that, they were treated to a private viewing of 'Spirit 2018' by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander modern dance company the Bangarra Dance Theatre, at the Sydney Opera House.
Soon after, Harry bumped into an old friend who he has referred to as his "favourite Aussie". He had met Daphne Dunne during his trips to the country before, befriending her in 2015. After spotting her in the crowd, Harry knelt down to her level as she sat in her wheelchair, hugging her and reportedly saying: "I was looking for you earlier and hoped you’d be here, it’s so good to see you again."
"I’m so glad I got to meet you, Harry has told me all about you and your special bond, it’s so lovely you came to see us, thank you," she told Daphne. "Hopefully the next time we see you we'll have our little one with us."
Daphne later commented: "It was lovely to meet the Duchess Meghan. Harry is a wonderful man and I’m so happy he had found happiness, they both deserved the absolute world together."
It was in the presence of Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove, that the couple received their first baby gift during their royal tour. Before they met with representatives from all of the 18 Invictus Games countries, they were presented with a fluffy kangaroo toy, and a tiny pair of Ugg boots.
"Our first baby gifts!" Meghan said as she was given the items. "These are awesome," Harry said of the boots. Just look at his face:
Dignitaries also gave the newlyweds with Akubras (traditional wide-brimmed Australian hats), and several congratulated them on the news of their baby. "Thank you so much," said Meghan. "We are very excited."
Speaking at the Governor's reception, Harry reportedly said:
"It is great to be back in Australia. And especially even more so this is my wife's first visit here, so I'm very excited to show her this incredible country of yours.
"We're both delighted to be here and really impressed to see you serving beer and tea at an afternoon reception, in true Aussie style! Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and the chance to meet so many Aussies from all walks of life. And we also genuinely couldn’t think of a better place to announce the upcoming baby, whether it’s a boy or a girl, so thank you very very much."
On the rest of their royal tour, Harry and Meghan are set to visit Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand in the coming weeks.
