Prince Harry climbs the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Prime Minister Scott Morrison - but pregnant Meghan Markle gives it a miss

  • Prince Harry has climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
  • Alongside Invictus Games ambassadors, the duo watched the unfurling of the Games' flag on the landmark 
  • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex earlier went to a a girls school in Sydney for second engagement of the day
  • Meghan changed from her Martin Grant maxi beach dress into a sleeveless navy gown with a pale blue band 
  • Earlier, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex went to Sydney's Bondi Beach to the cheers of thousands of fans
  • Harry and Meghan kicked off their shoes as they hit the sand, taking part in mental health awareness session  

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Prince Harry climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take in the best view of the city against a cloudless sky.

The Duke of Sussex climbed the 134-metre tall bridge without his pregnant wife Meghan Markle, who skipped the breathtaking experience after a busy day at Bondi Beach and a surprise visit to a school.

He and Mr Morrison were joined by four competitors from the Australian Invictus Games team, including Luke Hill, Ruth Hunt, Heidi Joosten and Michael Lyddiard.

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Prince Harry scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (second form left) and Invictus Games athletes (right) for one of the best views of the city

Prince Harry scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (second form left) and Invictus Games athletes (right) for one of the best views of the city

The group scaled the iconic bridge in quick time with former soldier Harry leading the charge of the 1,322 steps

The group scaled the iconic bridge in quick time with former soldier Harry leading the charge of the 1,322 steps

The Duke of Sussex walks at the head of the group followed by Mr Morrison and the four Invictus Games competitors

The Duke of Sussex walks at the head of the group followed by Mr Morrison and the four Invictus Games competitors

Jordan's meeting came just after Prince Harry scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (far right) and Invictus Games athletes (left) for one of the best views of the city

 In another shot just after they arrived, the Opera House and Sydney CBD is visible in the background

Also participating in the climb is Gwen Cherne, whose late husband served in Cambodia, Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Meghan was originally tabbed to participate in the climb, but her name was mysteriously removed from the itinerary a month earlier.

The reasoning wasn't clear until this past Monday, when it was announced she was pregnant.

The Duke swapped his blazer and trousers for a short sleeved black shirt as he made quick pace up the bridge, swapping his position between up to a dozen others to chat to different climbing companions.

However, he decided to forgo the goofy bright blue jumpsuit thousands of tourists have been photographed wearing as they smile at the arch’s summit.

As luck would have it, the morning clouds and fog cleared up by the time he began his ascent about 3pm, treating him to an unblemished view as a flag advertising the Invictus Games flew next to the Australian flag.

Prince Harry arrived at the Sydney Harbour Bridge for his afternoon climb of the 134-metre icon

Prince Harry arrived at the Sydney Harbour Bridge for his afternoon climb of the 134-metre icon

The Duke of Sussex climbed the bridge alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison while Meghan waited below

The Duke of Sussex climbed the bridge alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison while Meghan waited below

After stopping to admire the view, the group headed down the other side of the bridge after crossing the span

After stopping to admire the view, the group headed down the other side of the bridge after crossing the span

Harry paused at the summit of the climb, pointing out landmarks across the city with his right arm

Harry paused at the summit of the climb, pointing out landmarks across the city with his right arm

The pilgrimage, almost mandatory for any Sydney visitor, follows a comprehensive safety briefing with climbers hooked up to wires running up the steel structure throughout the climb

The pilgrimage, almost mandatory for any Sydney visitor, follows a comprehensive safety briefing with climbers hooked up to wires running up the steel structure throughout the climb

When they made it to the top, Harry, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and four others posed side-by-side for a memorable photo with the harbour and Opera House in the background.

Mr Morrison appeared out of breath when the group reached the summit, but former military man Harry looked relaxed and unfazed by the arduous climb. 

'The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an Australian icon and I can think of no better place to raise the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 flag,' Mr Morrison said earlier in the day.

'It will be especially wonderful for the Duke and me to share this moment with members of the Australian Team before they get ready to compete for Australia.'

Harry climbed the iconic bridge with a party of up to a dozen, swapping his position between them to chat to different people during the ascent. At this point he was walking in front of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Harry climbed the iconic bridge with a party of up to a dozen, swapping his position between them to chat to different people during the ascent. At this point he was walking in front of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Harry stops to chat to several climbing companions including Mr Morrison (bottom) who wore a cap advertising the Invictus Games

Harry stops to chat to several climbing companions including Mr Morrison (bottom) who wore a cap advertising the Invictus Games

He set a cracking pace that got the group to the top within just half an hour of setting off - far quicker than the usual tour

He set a cracking pace that got the group to the top within just half an hour of setting off - far quicker than the usual tour

The climbers have been fortunate enough to see the morning fog clear as they commenced their climb at about 3pm 

The climbers have been fortunate enough to see the morning fog clear as they commenced their climb at about 3pm 

The pilgrimage, almost mandatory for any Sydney visitor, follows a comprehensive safety briefing with climbers hooked up to wires running up the steel structure throughout the climb.

Getting to the top requires climbing 1,332 stairs up on arch, across the span, and down the other side through sometimes ferocious winds.

All those steps burns about 500 calories, which will help maintain his trim figure ahead of a sumptuous dinner with Mr Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Admiralty House this evening.

Harry's cracking pace meant he completed the up to 3.5-hour climb in less than an hour.  

Greeting him at the base of the Harbour Bridge was a familiar face - Daphne Dunn, a 98-year-old war widow and huge royal fan, who met Prince Harry earlier in the week along with on previous visits in 2015 and 2017.

Harry was rushed to the Bridge after a visit to a high school in Sydney's west in a six-car motorcade. 

Prince Harry waves to those still on the ground as he begins his climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Prince Harry waves to those still on the ground as he begins his climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

At the pinnacle of the climb, Prince Harry and the other climbers watched the unfurling of the 2018 Invictus Games flag

At the pinnacle of the climb, Prince Harry and the other climbers watched the unfurling of the 2018 Invictus Games flag

The Invictus Games flag will be on display in place of the New South Wales state flag on the Bridge until the closing ceremony

The Invictus Games flag will be on display in place of the New South Wales state flag on the Bridge until the closing ceremony

Earlier, the royal couple paid a surprise visit to a girls school in Parramatta, in Sydney's west, where Meghan told students how she also went to an all-girls school and how her first job 'taking out the trash' has made her 'the person she is today'. 

Earlier in the afternoon, the mother and father-to-be arrived at Macarthur Girls school in Parramatta shortly after students had finished a final year exam.

Meghan changed from her Martin Grant beach dress into a sleeveless navy frock with a pale blue band on the bottom of the skirt by Roksanda. 

The design, which retails for $2376 (GBP £1295), is Meghan's first nod to the British fashion industry while on tour. 

Harry slipped on a dark navy blazer and checkered shirt, wearing the same beige chinos he donned while chatting to locals on the sand at the world-famous beach.

The location of the school visit was supposed to have been kept secret from students - but secrets are hard to keep in the era of social media. 

'Most of you would probably have got up this morning, got ready for school and turned up thinking it was going to be a normal day at school. Is that right?' New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked an assembly before the royal's arrival. 

The answer was unanimously 'No.'

The premier added: 'You knew I was coming. Did you know anyone else was coming?', to which the room replied: 'Yes'. 

Prince Harry and Meghan's school visit was their second official engagement of the day. Above, they are seen being entertained by a dance group

Prince Harry and Meghan's school visit was their second official engagement of the day. Above, they are seen being entertained by a dance group

Meghan changed from her Martin Grant maxi beach dress into a sleeveless navy dress as she and Harry arrived at the girls school

Meghan changed from her Martin Grant maxi beach dress into a sleeveless navy dress as she and Harry arrived at the girls school

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are seen with students at Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney's west on Friday

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are seen with students at Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney's west on Friday

The couple heard about the National Rugby League's In Harmony program, which aims to unite and empower young people to be advocates of positive change

The couple heard about the National Rugby League's In Harmony program, which aims to unite and empower young people to be advocates of positive change

But the whole school erupted in shrieks and cheers as Harry and Meghan walked into the assembly.

The pair smiled as group of dancers entertained the loved-up royal guests with a performance to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood version of The Power of Love - before they spent time talking to students about the girls' social justice project and youth empowerment.

The Duchess of Sussex told the students how her upbringing at an all-girls school and her first job 'taking out the trash' has made her 'the person she is today'.

Meghan, who has even put her 'feminist manifesto' on the Buckingham Palace website - said she felt 'emotional' hearing their passionate views of the students. 

Harry, who is now said to identify as a feminist, told the girls he wants men to add their voices to the fight for equality. 

'Men can help as well by getting involved, we have to,' he said. 'We need to get men's voices involved as soon as possible.' 

The location of the royal couple's school visit had been kept secret to even the students. Meghan is seen as she and Year Nine students hear about the girls' social justice project and youth empowerment

The Duchess of Sussex is seen speaking to a teacher during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney on Friday

The Duchess of Sussex is seen speaking to a teacher during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney on Friday

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left), along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, watch a dance performance at the Sydney school

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left), along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, watch a dance performance at the Sydney school

His wife, who has been a long-term advocate for women's rights, told students that their projects, including making boxes of supplies for women in need, made her proud. 

'You guys all remind me so much of myself when I was growing up,' she told 14-year-old girls. 'I went to an all girls school which was incredibly diverse as well. 

'I think being around such empowered young women, it becomes something that you all just grasp onto to understand your world. It's made you confident, well-spoken. You have an intention set to really do something to change the world, and you have to keep it up.

'It makes me so emotional. You're doing really, really good work and I'm so happy that we're here. We give you our full support.' 

'Don't stop,' the Prince reiterated. 'Get more people involved, guys as well.' 

Teachers explained that the girls have been taking an 'integrated course' on top of their usual studies, to give them '21st century capabilities' including creativity and critical thinking, with 'a core focus on making a change in local communities'. 

One project saw them make boxes of supplies to donate to vulnerable women via police stations and refuge centres, while in another they created notebooks to pass forward for students to write about the women who have inspired them. 

Coincidentally, one pupil had written about the Duchess long before the royal visit had been announced. Tahlia Ohenhen, 15, told the Duke and Duchess how another group had created picture books to teach younger children about poverty and encourage them to treat those less fortunate with kindness and empathy.

The couple nodded as Tahlia added: 'The younger you get your children educated on things like this, the easier it is for them to grow up and be aware of it and make a difference.' 

'Kindness and empathy lacks big time in the world,' Harry said. 'It's so great you are passionate about all of this. 'You realise this is the generation that's going to make all the difference?' 

Teachers explained that the girls have been taking an 'integrated course' on top of their usual studies, to give them '21st century capabilities' including creativity and critical thinking

Teachers explained that the girls have been taking an 'integrated course' on top of their usual studies, to give them '21st century capabilities' including creativity and critical thinking

The Duchess of Sussex told students how her upbringing at an all-girls school and her first job 'taking out the trash' has made her 'the person she is today'

The Duchess of Sussex told students how her upbringing at an all-girls school and her first job 'taking out the trash' has made her 'the person she is today'

The royals look on during their surprise visit to the school in Sydney's west on Friday. The pair were entertained with a dance to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood version of The Power of Love

The royals look on during their surprise visit to the school in Sydney's west on Friday. The pair were entertained with a dance to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood version of The Power of Love

A student's tribute to Meghan is pictured during her visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney on Friday

A student's tribute to Meghan is pictured during her visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney on Friday

Later, the Duke and Duchess were introduced to teenage boys and girls from the NRL's In League In Harmony project, which aims to unite young people from diverse communities to be 'advocates for positive change in their communities'. 

Sitting separately, with a mixed-sex group each, the couple listened to young people's growing up in Australia, and day-to-day lives. 

As one young man told the Duchess about his part-time job, she empathised: 'My first job when I was 14, I remember taking out the trash, all sorts. It give you a good work ethic, right?' 

She joined groups of students from across different schools in Sydney who have been introduced via the programme, which teaches them: 'Everybody belongs.' 

'It's so important,' said the Duchess. 'All these people you know of in your neighbourhood, now you know them and you're united. You're proud of where you're from, you can champion where you're from and make people see it for what it is.' 

Harry, sitting with a second group of youngsters, joked that he was 'clinging onto my youth at the age of 34,' said he now looked to the younger generation for inspiration. 

'We're so lucky that wherever we go in the world, we're finding young people like you guys,' he said. 'This sweeping wave of kindness and optimism and empathy that's seems to be lacking in some of the previous generation. You guys get a kick out of that, right?'  

Schoolgirls wait eagerly with their mobile phones ready to go before the arrival of the royal mother and father-to-be 

Schoolgirls wait eagerly with their mobile phones ready to go before the arrival of the royal mother and father-to-be 

Meghan and Harry held hands as they made their way to the sand on Friday, with the Duchess affectionately placing her hand on her bump

Meghan and Harry held hands as they made their way to the sand on Friday, with the Duchess placing her left hand over her stomach 

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry are seen with local surfing community group 'OneWave' on Bondi Beach

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry are seen with local surfing community group 'OneWave' on Bondi Beach

Harry and Meghan thrilled thousands of royal fans at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The prince is pictured while sharing a joke with local surfers, much to the delight of his beaming wife

Harry and Meghan thrilled thousands of royal fans at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The prince is pictured while sharing a joke with local surfers, much to the delight of his beaming wife

Meghan is pictured placing her hand on her tiny baby bump as she arrived in Bondi. The couple on Monday announced they were expecting their first child

Meghan is pictured placing her hand on her tiny baby bump as she arrived in Bondi. The couple on Monday announced they were expecting their first child

Meghan looked radiant during the Bondi visit, wearing a khaki maxi-dress from Melbourne-born designer Martin Grant

The couple held hands as they arrived at Bondi Beach
Meghan wore a striped dress and wedges on Friday in Sydney

Meghan wore a stylish monochrome dress by Australian designer Martin Grant as she and Harry arrived in Bondi on Friday 

The prince opted for a more casual look compared with previous days, donning beige chinos and a blue shirt. He slipped off his shoes as he stepped on to Bondi's famous sand 

The prince opted for a more casual look compared with previous days, donning beige chinos and a blue shirt. He slipped off his shoes as he stepped on to Bondi's famous sand 

The mother and father-to-be arrived in Bondi just before 8.30am. The pair are pictured making their way to the sand

The mother and father-to-be arrived in Bondi just before 8.30am. The pair are pictured making their way to the sand

Prince Harry, who is known for his mental health advocacy and co-founded the charity Heads Together in 2016, earlier told OneWave members in Bondi that mental issues don't discriminate.

'Harry said each and everyone of us will experience poor mental health at some stage in our lives,' said Charlotte Connell, 35.

'Harry said ''it took me not six months, but 18 months to find the right person to speak to; you're not going to find the right person to speak to straight away''.' 

In recent years, Harry has opened up about own struggles following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 when he was just 12. 

Charlotte Connell, who is 23 weeks pregnant, revealed what Meghan told the group about her early stages of pregnancy. 

'Meghan said she was up at 4.30am this morning doing yoga in her room as she couldn't sleep,' she said.

'It's a bit of a double whammy for her, she said, as she has both the baby and the jet lag to contend with. We both talked about how you feel jetlagged even though you have not travelled anywhere.

Harry and Meghan meet Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave, a local surfing community group raising awareness for mental health

Harry and Meghan meet Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave, a local surfing community group raising awareness for mental health

The Duchess of Sussex removes her shoes after meeting Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave

The Duchess of Sussex removes her shoes after meeting Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave

Meghan waves to the crowd as she and Prince Harry wind up their Bondi visit - as they prepared to make a surprise school visit

Meghan waves to the crowd as she and Prince Harry wind up their Bondi visit - as they prepared to make a surprise school visit

The Duke and Duchess were presented with floral leis on the beach

Meghan and Harry were presented with their own leis, before joining a circle on the sand as part of the mental health session

Meghan tours Bondi Beach in a $1,615 maxi dress by Australian designer Martin Grant

Meghan looked radiant in a khaki maxi-dress from Melbourne -born designer Martin Grant's 2019 Resort collection 

Meghan looked radiant in a khaki maxi-dress from Melbourne -born designer Martin Grant's 2019 Resort collection 

By Sophie Haslettand Alice Murphy For Daily Mail Australia

Despite the damp and dreary conditions, Meghan looked radiant in a khaki maxi-dress from Melbourne-born designer Martin Grant's 2019 Resort collection.

The $1,615 (GBP £880) gown featured a straight, sleeveless neckline and full pleated skirt, with contrasting caramel and white stripes.

The pregnant Duchess, 37, paired the contemporary design with $147 (GBP £80) Castaner canvas wedge espadrilles, but she swiftly broke with royal protocol when she ditched them to step onto the sand. 

The Pleated Stripe Long Dress is currently unavailable with online sale starting from December 15.   

It's not the first time the Duchess has worn Martin Grant, after she plumped for the French-based Australian on Tuesday and Thursday with her stylish trench coat. 

Meghan kept accessories to a minimum, wearing a simple $418 teardrop pendant from Los Angeles jewellery designer Adina Reyter.

The delicate, yellow gold necklace is made with 14 carats and pavé diamonds, and will be available online from October 22.

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'Even in her jet lag she got up to do yoga this morning at 4.30am. Physical activity like yoga and surfing is so good for healing your mind.'   

Jessina Oakes, 26, of Bondi, said she spoke mainly to the Duchess.

'I was predominantly talking to Meghan,' she said.

'She mentioned that she practises yoga. She said it helps ground her and she tries to find the time to make it part of her daily routine.'

Ms Oakes also spoke to Meghan about the dangers of social media, particulary it's effect on young people's self image.

'She said a really beautiful quote. She said "flattery and criticism run through the same filter".

'She said it was very freeing that she no longer has social media.

'And just how great One Wave is making those connections with people and being able to support one another.'

As she left, Meghan told the group that she was 'loving' her first experience of Australia. 'It is so great to be here,' she said. 

Dabriella Quayle, 37, said after the 'anti-bad vibes' session: 'Oh my goodness, they were just so real, so relatable. They shared their own experiences, which was amazing.

'Harry said seeking help was the best thing he had ever done. He was really open and honest. He said it doesn't matter who you open up to, they don't have to be professional. 

'Anyone can be there for you. It could be your best mate or a stranger. You just need to open up to them. '

Ms Quayle added: 'They talked about the strangeness of their own situation and the lives they lead but that at the end of the day they are just real people. They are just human beings.' 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are seen on the sand at Bondi Beach during their visit to Sydney on the fourth day of the royal couple's visit to Australia

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are seen on the sand at Bondi Beach during their visit to Sydney on the fourth day of the royal couple's visit to Australia

Meghan and Harry are seen strolling along the Bondi shore as they share a joke with a member of local surfing group, OneWave

Meghan and Harry are seen strolling along the Bondi shore as they share a joke with a member of local surfing group, OneWave

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex pose for a photograph at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Friday morning 

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex pose for a photograph at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Friday morning 

Chatting with another group of surfers, Harry said he had never waxed a board before, so he and Meghan both had a go

Chatting with another group of surfers, Harry said he had never waxed a board before, so he and Meghan both had a go

OneWave founder Grant Trebilco said the royal couple had been 'so nice, so friendly'.

'They were so open. Harry said asking for help was not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. We need to talk about this stuff. No matter what you are going through you don't have to do it alone,' he said.

'Meghan shared how yoga is her escape, she does yoga daily and how her mum is a yoga instructor. Harry talked about how everyone has their different recipe and how much sports can help with your mental health.

'He said he and Meghan had surfed before. We tried to get him in and told him we had a wet suit and surf board ready for him, but he said he couldn't. They were so engaging, they had time for everyone and really felt part of the One Wave community.' 

Mr Trebilco suffered from mental health issues for a decade but felt unable to talk about them. He was eventually diagnosed as being bi-polar and hospitalised.

He said surfing was 'his saviour' and he finally felt able to open up to his closest friends, who were incredibly sympathetic to him and also shared issues of their own.

He then created Fluro Fridays - where people dress up in fluorescent clothes and go to the beach, with the aim of fostering an atmosphere where others can open up about their own mental health issues. 

The royal couple also met and shared jokes with local lifeguards (left), made famous by television series Bondi Rescue

The royal couple also met and shared jokes with local lifeguards (left), made famous by television series Bondi Rescue

Prince Harry and his pregnant wife Meghan are pictured meeting a young child during their Bondi Beach visit on Friday

Prince Harry and his pregnant wife Meghan are pictured meeting a young child during their Bondi Beach visit on Friday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand

Meghan is seen preparing to take part in OneWave's mental health awareness session on the sand at the world-famous beach

Meghan is seen preparing to take part in OneWave's mental health awareness session on the sand at the world-famous beach

Meghan is seen laughing as she mingled with locals on Friday morning. She and Harry spent about half an hour on the sand

Meghan is seen laughing as she mingled with locals on Friday morning. She and Harry spent about half an hour on the sand

'To have the duke and duchess down at Flouro Friday helped make mental health visible around the world,' Mr Trebilco said.

'One thing that really stood out for me was that Prince Harry said asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength. Mental health is invisible. You can't see when people are struggling.

'Wearing the bright flouro helps start conversations that never usually happen around mental health. It reduces that barrier. Those bright colours show we can make it visible and we don't have to go through it alone.' 

Bondi local Charlie Adams is happy the royal couple are using their influence to shine a spotlight on mental illness and OneWave.

'I think there is still a lot of stigma around mental health and it's great that Harry and Meghan are addressing that here today,' Mr Adams said. 

Harry and Meghan are pictured chatting with OneWave members, while a small child gazes adoringly at the prince 

Harry and Meghan are pictured chatting with OneWave members, while a small child gazes adoringly at the prince 

Harry and Meghan thrilled thousands of royal fans at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Meghan is pictured playfully tweaking her husband's ear as they take part in a session hosted by a surfing group that raises awareness for mental health and wellbeing

Meghan appears to clean sand from her husband's ear as they take part in OneWave's Fluro Friday session on Friday morning

The purpose of Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit will later come back into focus, with the prince officially marking the arrival of the Invictus Games in the Harbour City

Britain's Duchess of Sussex hugs a participant of Fluro Friday, an event organised by surfing community OneWave tackling mental health issues

Britain's Duchess of Sussex hugs a participant of Fluro Friday, an event organised by surfing community OneWave tackling mental health issues

Harry is seen pointing to the north while his beaming wife flashes a smile as they speak with members of a local surfing group

Harry is seen pointing to the north while his beaming wife flashes a smile as they speak with members of a local surfing group

Meghan is seen shaking hands with Bondi Beach head lifeguard Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins on Friday morning 

Meghan is seen shaking hands with Bondi Beach head lifeguard Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins on Friday morning 

Meanwhile, Jacob Andrews, 12, has met some of the world's biggest pop stars - from Justin Bieber to Selena Gomez and Rihanna - but as far as he's concerned, none match the celebrity status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Friday was the second time Jacob had met Prince Harry, following an encounter at Circular Quay when he was seven.

This time in Bondi, Jacob didn't get a selfie with the young royal - but Meghan took a copy of a picture he had taken with her husband the first time they met.

'I was nervous,' Jacob said of the wait at Bondi Beach. 'Mum was nervous. Everyone was pushing and it went crazy.'

But it was worth the effort when the couple approached him on the sand.

'I said ''hi, nice to meet you''. They said ''thank you''.' 

Friday was the second time Jacob Andrews, 12, met Prince Harry, following a previous encounter (pictured) in Sydney

Friday was the second time Jacob Andrews, 12, met Prince Harry, following a previous encounter (pictured) in Sydney

Jacob Andrews is pictured holding a photograph of himself as a seven-year-old when he met Prince Harry at Circular Quay 

Jacob Andrews is pictured holding a photograph of himself as a seven-year-old when he met Prince Harry at Circular Quay 

The Duke of Sussex is seen mingling with dozens of members of the public on Sydney's Bondi Beach on Friday morning

The Duke of Sussex is seen mingling with dozens of members of the public on Sydney's Bondi Beach on Friday morning

The royal couple will spend the weekend in the Harbour City, before heading to Queensland's Fraser Island on Monday 

The royal couple will spend the weekend in the Harbour City, before heading to Queensland's Fraser Island on Monday 

Prince Harry and Meghan pose with Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave

Prince Harry and Meghan pose with Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, founder and co-founder of OneWave

Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex ditched their shoes (pictured) as the royal couple hit the sand at Bondi Beach

Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex ditched their shoes (pictured) as the royal couple hit the sand at Bondi Beach

During his conversation with the royals, Jacob handed Meghan a toy kangaroo dressed in pyjamas for the couple's first child.

Jacob, who has also met actors Tom Cruise, Dwayne Johnson and Zac Ephron, said Friday's encounter with the prince topped them all.

'Probably up the top because he's one of the royals,' he said.

And he wouldn't even miss a day's school.

'I'm just going to be a bit late,' he said. 'I have to get McDonald's first.' 

Meanwhile, local artist Lizmania arrived at the iconic beach at about 5.30am with hopes of being the first half-woman, half-fish to meet the royal couple. 

'I'm the Bondi mermaid,' the local institution said. 'We're just going to say hello to the Duke and Duchess. I'm going to be lying down in the water there.' 

Lizmania - which has been her real name for the past 12 years - was with her Pomeranian poodle, Tipseatoes.

'Tipseatoes is going to be the first merpuppy that gets a royal hug,' she said. 'This is going to be the first time that the Duke and Duchess have glitter on them.'    

Bondi artist Lizmania arrived at the beach about 5.30am with hopes of being the first half-woman, half-fish to meet the royal couple

Bondi artist Lizmania arrived at the beach about 5.30am with hopes of being the first half-woman, half-fish to meet the royal couple

Part of the Bondi Rescue team were presented with their own floral leis as Meghan and Harry visited the iconic beach 

Part of the Bondi Rescue team were presented with their own floral leis as Meghan and Harry visited the iconic beach 

The Duke of Sussex is swarmed by members of the public during the fourth day of the official 16-day Autumn tour

The Duke of Sussex is swarmed by members of the public during the fourth day of the official 16-day Autumn tour

Royal fever hit Bondi on Friday morning as thousands of Australians gathered to catch a glimpse of Meghan and Price Harry

Royal fever hit Bondi on Friday morning as thousands of Australians gathered to catch a glimpse of Meghan and Price Harry

G'day Meghan and Harry: Hundreds of royal fans held welcome signs as the Duke and Duchess arrived at the beach

G'day Meghan and Harry: Hundreds of royal fans held welcome signs as the Duke and Duchess arrived at the beach

Two men wearing Union Jack budgy smugglers are seen waiting for their chance to catch a glimpse of the royal couple 

The couple met surfing group OneWave and take part in the group's mental health awareness session, Fluro Friday

The couple met surfing group OneWave and take part in the group's mental health awareness session, Fluro Friday

Members of the crowd are seen waiting for the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Bondi Beach on Friday morning

Members of the crowd are seen waiting for the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Bondi Beach on Friday morning

The mother and father-to-be  arrived at the iconic beach at about 8.30am and once again mingled with members of the public

The mother and father-to-be arrived at the iconic beach at about 8.30am and once again mingled with members of the public

A woman and child dressed up to take part in 'Fluro Friday', which coincided with the royal couple's visit to Bondi Beach 

Before Prince Harry and Meghan arrived on Friday morning, Lizmania happily posed on the sand with a pair of policemen

Before Prince Harry and Meghan arrived on Friday morning, Lizmania happily posed on the sand with a pair of policemen

Thousands of royal fans gathered at Sydney's Bondi Beach as the world's most famous couple continue their whirlwind tour of Australia

Thousands of royal fans gathered at Sydney's Bondi Beach as the world's most famous couple continue their whirlwind tour of Australia

Harry and Meghan share a laugh as they headed to the beach in Melbourne to pick up litter with local schoolchildren on Thursday

Harry and Meghan share a laugh as they headed to the beach in Melbourne to pick up litter with local schoolchildren on Thursday

Harry and Meghan delighted the crowds as they met primary school students at South Melbourne beach on Thursday  

Harry and Meghan delighted the crowds as they met primary school students at South Melbourne beach on Thursday  

Meghan even gave Aussie Rules a crack, demonstrating solid form for an ecstatic crowd when she was shown how to handball at Government House
Meghan even gave Aussie Rules a crack, demonstrating solid form for an ecstatic crowd when she was shown how to handball at Government House
Meghan clearly enjoyed herself

Meghan gave Aussie Rules a crack in Melbourne on Thursday, demonstrating solid form for an ecstatic crowd when she was shown how to handball

Cranky in the country! Prince Harry playfully mocks a little girl because she didn't want to get a photo with him 

Prince Harry has cheekily mocked a young girl (pictured) who put a hand on her hips and refused to take a photograph with the royal

Prince Harry has cheekily mocked a young girl (pictured) who put a hand on her hips and refused to take a photograph with the royal

Prince Harry cheekily mocked a camera-shy young girl who refused to pose for a photograph with the visiting royal.

While thousands of fans have clamoured for a piece of the Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle, this toddler in Dubbo had other ideas.

She placed her left hand on her hip and stubbornly refused to move forward and say hello to a bemused prince.

He in turn placed his hands on his hips to playfully mimic the young girl before bending down to give her a hug.

The girl's parents were heard in the background giggling at their daughter's behaviour during the meet-and-greet in Dubbo on Wednesday before pushing her slightly forward to chat to the prince.

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Harry's hug for one young woman at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne on Thursday reduced her to tears of joy

Harry's hug for one young woman at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne on Thursday reduced her to tears of joy

Harry and Meghan were mobbed in Dubbo on Wednesday - and the Duchess admitted she was a 'bit tired' and 'running on adrenaline' in the early stages of pregnancy

Harry and Meghan were mobbed in Dubbo on Wednesday - and the Duchess admitted she was a 'bit tired' and 'running on adrenaline' in the early stages of pregnancy

The Duchess of Sussex has taken Australia by storm with thousands turning out every day to catch a glimpse of her or meet her (pictured at Government House on Thursday)

Prince Harry and Meghan react to the heavy rain as they visit students from Dubbo College Senior Campus where the Duchess was hailed as a role model by aboriginal students 

Prince Harry and Meghan react to the heavy rain as they visit students from Dubbo College Senior Campus where the Duchess was hailed as a role model by aboriginal students 

Harry and Meghan's whirlwind three-week tour of Australasia

Tuesday, October 16: Sydney, Australia - The first day of the tour began and ended at Admiralty House after a visit to the zoo and Sydney Opera House.

Wednesday, October 17: Dubbo, Australia - The couple flew to Dubbo, in the New South Wales central west, to meet drought affected farmers, followed by a visit to a local school and a community BBQ.

Thursday, October 18: Melbourne, Australia - Harry and Meghan arrived in the southern city, visiting Government House and social enterprise café. The Duke and Duchess will travel on an iconic Melbourne tram to South Melbourne beach

Friday, October 19: Sydney, Australia - Harry and Meghan will visit Bondi Beach. Later the Duke will climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge to officially raise the Invictus Flag.

Harry and Meghan (pictured in Melbourne) will visit New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga after finishing the Australian leg of their royal tour 

Harry and Meghan (pictured in Melbourne) will visit New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga after finishing the Australian leg of their royal tour 

Saturday, October 20: Sydney, Australia -  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel by boat to attend the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge on Cockatoo Island. In the evening, Harry and Meghan will attend a reception at the Opera House.

Sunday, October 21: Sydney, Australia - Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex will watch some Invictus Games events, including cycling and sailing.

Monday October 22: Fraser Island, Australia - Their Royal Highnesses will travel to Queensland's Fraser Island.

Tuesday, October 23: Suva, Fiji - Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by a Guard of Honour at Suva airport, before calling on His Excellency The President of Fiji at Borron House followed by a State Dinner.

Wednesday, October 24: Suva, Fiji - His Royal Highness will lay a wreath at the Fiji War Memorial, and meet a number of Fijian war veterans. The Duchess to the British High Commissioner's Residence and to Suva Market.

Thursday,  October 25: Nadi, Fiji and Nuku'alofa, Tonga - The Duke and Duchess will travel to the city of Nadi and unveil a new statue. Their Royal Highnesses will take a chartered flight to Tonga

Friday,  October 26: Nuku'alofa, Tonga and Sydney, Australia - The Duke and Duchess will visit the St George Building for meet the Prime Minister and will travel to The Royal Palace for an official farewell with The King before departing for Sydney, where they will attend the the Australian Geographic Society Awards

Saturday, October 27: Sydney, Australia - Their Royal Highnesses will spend the afternoon at the wheelchair basketball finals of the Invictus Games, before attending the Closing Ceremony

Sunday, October 28: Wellington, New Zealand - The pair will attend the traditional welcome ceremony on the lawns of Government House

Monday, October 29: Wellington and Abel Tasman, New Zealand - The Duke and Duchess will meet young people from a number of mental health projects operating in New Zealand and will travel to Abel Tasman National Park

Tuesday, October 30: Auckland, New Zealand - Their Royal Highnesses will travel to Auckland, where they will firstly visit the North Shore to dedicate a 20 hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. They will then join the Prime Minister to visit Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand. Later that afternoon, The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet the people of Auckland on the Viaduct Harbour, before attending a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Wednesday, October 31: Rotorua, New Zealand - The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua. Next, The Duke and Duchess will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme. Later that afternoon, the Duke and Duchess will head into the city for the chance to meet members of the public gathered there

Thursday, November 1: Their Royal Highnesses will return to Auckland that evening, before departing for London the following day

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