Hugs and high-fives for Prince Harry as Duke delights school kids during visit

Prince Harry was greeted with hugs and high-fives as he met with school kids in Luton.

The Duke of Sussex visited Lealands High School on Thursday after it became the 750th school to sign up to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) All Schools programme.

The RFU initiative was launched in a bid to get 750 more schools playing Rugby Union, with the Duke's visit a celebration of reaching the milestone.

The new dad showed his softer side as he gave hugs to students and plenty of high-fives amid animated conversations.

Harry watched on as around 60 students from five local schools played touch rugby matches and took part in skills sessions - something Harry knows plenty about, having trained as an assistant development officer with the RFU during his gap year in 2004.

The Royal also spoke to players and teachers, oozing that inimitable charm, which often leads to comparisons with his famous late mother, Princess Diana.

Zara-Jess Gudza, 11, was the one who managed to hug the Duke after the session.

"It was just the inspiration, he is so big in this world and he came to this school," Zara told reporters after the Royal visit, according the Mirror UK.

"It felt crazy to meet someone who is part of the royal family and felt kind of inspirational."

Prince Harry's outing in Luton was the same day his wife, Meghan Markle returned to work after maternity leave.

The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to the couple's first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in May.