Daphne Dunne, the 98-year-old war widow who famously stole Prince Harry’s heart when they first met three years ago, has managed to nab her third kiss from the beloved royal.
The war widow previously met Harry when he was in Australia in 2015, and was the talk of the town after the young royal bent down to give her a kiss on the cheek. Two years later, the pair crossed paths again when they shared a kiss and hug after she waited to meet him in the pouring rain in Sydney when Harry was in town to announce his popular Invictus Games were heading Down Under.
Today, after waiting for him all morning at the Sydney Opera House, Daphne and Harry have shared another sweet moment. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their way through the waiting well-wishers the prince caught a glimpse of Daphne and made a bee-line straight for her, planting another kiss on her cheek.
Meghan soon caught up with them and royal couple spent a few minutes chatting with Daphne, who at one point put her hand on Harry’s face, before his wife Meghan leaned in to kiss her on the cheek and thank her for her kind words.
Daphne also gave the pair what appeared to be a thoughtful homemade card, which featured a lovely photograph of Harry and the 98-year-old on the cover.
Speaking to news.com.au earlier today, Daphne said she thinks Prince Harry will make a “marvellous dad”. “It’s exciting now because his wife is going to have a baby,” she said. “It’s a very exciting time for them… just marvellous.
“It’s what he’s always wanted. He will be a marvellous dad. He won’t let anything stand in his way and he will be so gentle and loving. This should be an Australian baby.”
Asked for her thoughts on what Meghan will like as a mother, Daphne said: “Meghan will be out of this world. They are beautiful together. They show their affection… it’s lovely.”
Daphne’s first husband, Lieutenant Albert Chowne, died aged 25 in 1945 during an attack on a Japanese machine gun post in Papua New Guinea. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, which Daphne was wearing when she first met Harry.
Earlier today, Meghan and Prince Harry received a warm welcome at Admiralty House in Sydney, where the expectant mother showed off a tiny baby bump in a gorgeous white, fitted dress.
Taking part in the first day of engagements on their whirlwind 15-day tour of Commonwealth nations, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with Australia’s Governor General Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove at their official residence. The happy foursome posed for photos outside the grand home, showing off a stunning Sydney backdrop behind them.
After months of speculation, Kensington Palace confirmed on Monday that the Duke and Duchess are expecting a baby in spring, 2019.
It is the first child for both Meghan and Harry, who have spoken openly in the past about their desire to start a family.