The Royal Treatment: Harry & Meghan's Charm Offensive

Eight Occasions Meghan And Harry Won Us Over

- Judy Kean

It’s been a tour de force. So far, the first official trip together to the southern hemisphere for Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been a huge success, with the newlyweds winning locals over with their warmth, compassion and down-to-earth attitudes.

Here are a handful of the times the couple – who are visiting New Zealand this week – endeared themselves to our Aussie, Fijian and Tongan neighbours during the first part of their whirlwind 16-day tour.

1 WHEN MEGHAN DID SOME BAKING

It’s the royal visitors who are usually given the gifts, but when Meghan and Harry went to the rural town of Dubbo, the duchess took along a special treat for the farming family who hosted them for afternoon tea.

The talented royal gave the Woodley family banana bread that she had baked herself.

After a busy schedule in Sydney the day before, Meghan had spent her evening in the kitchen of Admiralty House, where she and Harry were staying, and whipped up the sweet treat. It included chocolate chips as well as a hint of ginger and was a huge hit with everyone who tried it. Meghan also took some Royal Blend Fortnum & Mason tea to the gathering.

2 WHEN HARRY WAS PATIENT WITH A FASCINATED SCHOOLBOY

Schoolchildren chosen to meet Meghan and Harry in Dubbo were told there was to be no touching. However, little Luke Vincent couldn’t help himself and dispensed with the rules when Harry crouched down to talk to him. In a moment that melted hearts everywhere, the five-year-old, who has Down syndrome, stroked and tugged Harry’s beard. The patient prince didn’t flinch and he and Meghan both gave Luke warm hugs.

Luke’s teacher, Anne van Dartel, says Harry was very gracious and polite.