Prince Harry breaks royal protocol to hug one deserving fan during Australian tour

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting and giving the rock star treatment on their tour, and it included the sweetest hug for a crying, excited fan.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are still in the early days of their multi-nation tour. But the excitement is already overwhelming when it comes to fans’ reactions, some of whom view Prince Harry as better than the hottest rock star on the planet.

Prince Harry didn’t limit his interactions to people. One lucky dog enjoyed the opportunity to have a royal handshake.

But on the tour so far, the meeting that provided the biggest pop star-like moment came when Harry hugged one of his biggest fans.

The occasion took place on day three of Harry’s and Markle’s royal tour. As the couple held hands, thousands watched excitedly at the Royal Botanic Gardens Down Under. One 19-year-old, India Brown, was in tears when she took the risk of breaking protocol and reaching out for a hug.

Brown shared that she loved the royal family since she was just 8-years-old, following their adventures “around the world.” People reports that she viewed Harry’s and Markle’s visit as “just such an opportunity and I just went for it,” even though she “didn’t expect it to happen because it’s actually against protocol.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 18: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex greets members of the public as he arrives at the Royal Botanic Gardens on October 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images) MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 18: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex hugs a member of the public as he arrives at the Royal Botanic Gardens on October 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)

To get that hug-viewed-around-the-world, Brown told Harry that she knew it was “against royal protocol, but can I please have a hug?”

And he showed his gentle humor and kindness, hugging her and joking, “Oh you’re going to get me in trouble.”

Prince Harry wasn’t the only one to have a rockstar group of fans. Markle had her own unofficial fan club, who were just as thrilled to see the pregnant Duchess as Harry’s groupies.

Markle also didn’t disappoint royal fashion watchers. The Duchess opted for a navy dress by Australian designer Dion Lee. Accessories included perfectly matched Manolo suede heels and Gucci’s Sylvie mini chain clutch. And we’re putting that Martin Grant trench coat on our own fashion wish list.

What do you think of Prince Harry’s hug for that excited fan? Did he do the right thing in breaking protocol? Share your views below.