A look back at Meghan and Harry's 2018 royal tour as they prepare for their Aussie return
Updated . First published
It's been eight years – and what feels like a lifetime of headlines – since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex last set foot in Australia.
In October 2018, months after their lavish Windsor Castle wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan travelled Down Under for their first official royal tour as a couple.
This week, they're returning under very different circumstances, representing themselves rather than the British royal family.
Watch the video above.
It's been eight years since Harry and Meghan's royal tour of Australia; they're returning to our shores in days. AP
The trip comes six years after the duke and duchess announced they were stepping back as working royals and relocating to the US.
Across four days, Harry and Meghan will visit various cities, carrying out engagements linked with community resilience, support for the armed forces and mental health.
Much of their visit is under wraps for now, so in the meantime, let's revisit some of the most memorable moments and photos from the Sussexes' 2018 Australian royal tour.
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A curious airport accessory
Meghan clutched a folder as she arrived in Sydney, a move fans quickly honed in on. 9News
Eyebrows were raised across the country when Meghan was spotted clutching a large folder on arrival at Sydney Airport.
The photos sparked intrigue and speculation that was proven correct hours later when the couple announced they were expecting their first child.
The news added extra joy to the visit. Over the course of the royal tour, the parents-to-be received 236 baby gifts – including a teeny pair of ugg boots and a toy kangaroo from Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.
The couple were gifted a pair of baby ugg boots and a toy kangaroo by the Governor-General. AP/AAP
A little fall of rain
The couple's visit to Dubbo provided arguably the most memorable photo of the royal tour.
While the trip to the NSW town was partly intended to highlight the impacts of drought in the region, the royals seemingly brought the rain with them.
While Harry addressed the crowd at a community picnic in Victoria Park, Meghan held an umbrella over him for some shelter against the much-needed downpour.
Meghan and Harry got caught in the rain in Dubbo - a much-needed downpour for the drought-affected town. Ian Vogler/Pool via AP
The couple's visit was intended to shine a light on the impacts of the drought. Getty
They were hugged by five-year-old Luke Vincent on arrival. Phil Noble/Pool via AP
The Sussexes spent one day in Dubbo, and were eagerly greeted by a group of local schoolchildren on arrival at the airport.
Five-year-old Luke Vincent couldn't hide his excitement, rushing forward to hug the royals in a picture-perfect moment.
Icons with icons
'Get photo with Opera House' is on everyone's Sydney bucket list for a reason. Getty
You can't come to Sydney and not get a photo with the Opera House, right?
On day one of their engagements, Harry and Meghan visited Admiralty House – which boasts an incredible view of the Harbour and its landmarks – before heading over to the Opera House for a public meet-and-greet.
A photo of the couple descending the stars of the famous building was later immortalised, used as the poster for their Netflix series Harry & Meghan.
Like William and Kate before them, the couple also visited Taronga Zoo, another classic Sydney to-do list item.
Harry and Meghan were in good company, meeting a koala named Ruby.
And, of course, a pilgrimage to the iconic Bondi Beach also made it onto the itinerary.
Harry and Meghan joined mental health surfing group OneWave for an event on Bondi Beach. WireImage
Both accessorised with a lei for the group's Fluoro Friday theme. Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP
The couple joined local surfing community group OneWave for its 'Fluro Friday' event, joining members as they sat on the sand to discuss mental health.
Harry and Meghan wore colourful leis to honour the costume theme.
An Aussie (rules) rite of passage
While in Melbourne, Meghan tried her hand at the city's favourite sport: Aussie rules.
Attending a women's empowerment event at the MCG, the duchess handballed a Sherrin, joking, "I'm not sure I did it right!"
A sweet reunion
Among the crowds who gathered at the Opera House to glimpse the royals was Prince Harry's "biggest fan", 97-year-old former servicewoman Daphne Dunne.
The prince first enountered Dunne, who served as a corporal in the Australian Women's Army Service and whose husband served in WWII, during a walkabout in 2015.
He also introduced the late war widow, whom he'd met twice before, to Meghan. WireImage
They met again in Sydney in 2017 when Harry was in town to promote the Invictus Games.
When Harry spotted Dunne in the crowd, he rushed over to greet her like an old friend, also taking a moment to introduce her to his new wife.
Out and about
Meghan, joined by a student, enjoys a performance at Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney. Getty
Of course, Harry and Meghan attended the Invictus Games in Sydney, opening the event and attending various matches. Getty
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