Touching moment Harry came face-to-face with daughter of his late 'biggest fan'

Prince Harry and Meghan were greeted by fans at the Sydney Opera House today in an impromptu meet-and-greet as their Australia tour comes to a close.

But one interaction in particular has warmed hearts.

While greeting the horde of fans, Harry shared a touching moment with the daughter of his late "biggest fan", Daphne Dunne.

Watch the video above.

Michelle Haywood attended on behalf of her late mother, holding up a photo Dunne had taken with the prince during a previous visit to Australia.

The Duke of Sussex had enountered Dunne, a former servicewoman and war widow, during three visits to Australia in 2015, 2017, and his 2018 royal tour with Meghan.

During the latter, he memorably rushed over to see Dunne, then 97, as the couple greeted crowds at the Opera House, introducing her to his new wife.

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But this sadly would be their final interaction, with Dunne passing away after a battle with pneumonia the following year, aged 99.

Harry was warmly embraced by Haywood during today's walkabout, and appeared deep in conversation with her, having evidently recognised the photo of his late fan.

Haywood later told the Sydney Morning Herald she had hoped to thank Harry for the moments he'd shared with her mother.

"I wanted to come down today because it's my first opportunity to see him again and to hopefully be able to thank him for the joy he's brought to Mum over all those years," she said of the encounter.

Haywood has spoken of the special bond her mother shared with Harry in the past, describing the pair as having a "common understanding of ... service to others".

Dunne first managed to capture the royal's attention in 2015, having worn her late war-hero husband's Victoria Cross to yet another meet-and-greet at the Opera House.

In 2019, Dunne's family penned a tribute to the late royal fan on Instagram.

"It is with the saddest of hearts that I would like to share the news that our most beloved mum and nanna, Daphne Dunne, passed away peacefully yesterday morning," they said.

"She spent a large part of her life representing the women of the Australian Army and her two husbands Lt. Albert Crowne VC MM and John Patrick Dunne, ensuring that their service to Australia was never forgotten."

Her death came just days after she'd received a letter of congratulations from Prince Harry to commemorate her 99th birthday.

"Dear Daphne, my wife and I send our warmest wishes to you on the occasion of your 99th birthday on Friday," Prince Harry wrote.

"We hope you have a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends and that you've managed to escape hospital!

"Congratulations on reaching this important and impressive milestone before your centenary year next year," the letter concluded.

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