Aww-stralia: Baby gifts for royal couple

Harry, Meghan greeted by supporters in Sydney

SYDNEY — A beaming Duke and Duchess of Sussex thrilled fans outside the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday during their first meeting with the public since the former Meghan Markle’s pregnancy was announced.

Prince Harry and Meghan spent longer than the 20 minutes allocated in their schedule to speak to and shake hands with well-wishers. Meghan accepted cards and flowers from an enthusiastic crowd.

The pregnancy was announced after the couple arrived in Sydney on Monday and 15 hours before their first public appearance. The two are on a 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

Among those taken by surprise by the announcement were their Sydney hosts, Governor-general

Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Lynne Cosgrove. The governor-general, who represents Queen Elizabeth II, Australia’s head of state and Harry’s grandmother, sent staff to buy a toy kangaroo with a joey in its pouch and a tiny pair of Australian sheep skin boots for their pregnant guest.

“Here’s your first gift for the nursery,” the governor-general told the couple during a welcome ceremony at his official residence, Admiralty House.

Outside the Opera House on Tuesday, Harry lingered longest with war widow Daphne Dunne, 98, whom he hugged as they chatted.

It was the third time they had met since Harry’s eye caught sight of a Victoria Cross medal on her chest during a Sydney visit in 2015. She explained that her first husband, Albert Chowne, had been given the highest award in the British honors system after he died in Papua New Guinea in 1945.

This time, Meghan joined Harry in greeting the Dunne, who admires the prince’s work with veterans.

“I wished them well with the baby on the way and said this is what Harry has been waiting for so long,” Dunne added.

Before Megan donned her coat, her tight-fitting dress barely revealed a bump as they were welcomed at the first event of the day at the Sydney Harbor-side mansion where the two are staying.

The focus of that engagement was to meet Invictus Games representatives from the 18 countries competing in the event that starts Saturday.

Dean Lewins The Associated Press Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, meet Ruby, a mother koala who gave birth to a joey named Meghan, during a visit Tuesday to Taronga Zoo in Sydney.