Prince Harry's arrival in Australia brings out the redheads and One Direction fans
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Version 0 of 1. Prince Harry was about to wrap up his meet-and-greet with excited locals at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Monday when he spotted a well-targeted sign. Ethan Toscan, 12, from the Canberra suburb of Bruce, gained the attention of the ginger royal with a homemade placard that said “Redheads Rule!”. The prince – who will be known as Captain Wales during his four-week stint with the Australian defence force (ADF) – seemed to agree with the sentiment. “Yeah, he was just like, ‘being a redhead is the No. 1 thing a person can ever be’,” Ethan recalled. “It was a pleasure to shake Prince Harry’s hand.” At least 1,500 people braved rainy conditions in the nation’s capital for their chance to meet Harry before he reported for duty with the ADF. During the military exchange, he will serve the Australian army in regiments in Sydney, Darwin and Perth. A television reporter, conducting one of many live crosses to the event, suggested that Harry would be “treated like any other member of the defence force”. In truth, this sort of welcome was anything but normal. He was greeted by the governor general, Sir Peter Cosgrove, and he reported for duty directly with the chief of the ADF, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin. Oh, and Harry was carrying a personal message from his grandmother – the Queen – to Binskin. “I am delighted that the long and enduring association between the Australian and British armies will be joined by the military secondment of my grandson, Prince Harry,” the Queen wrote. “I know that Captain Wales will benefit greatly from spending time with the Australian diggers and I thank you for welcoming him into your ranks. Elizabeth R.” Harry arrived to loud cheers shortly after 9am and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before being led on a tour of the first world war and Afghanistan galleries. The director of the Australian War Memorial, Brendan Nelson, asked Harry whether he had seen Gallipoli, the 1981 film featuring Mel Gibson that tells the story of the 1915 landing in Turkey. “It’s worth watching,” Nelson said. Harry – who is due to travel to Gallipoli for the centenary commemorations on 25 April – was presented with gifts that included country singer Lee Kernaghan’s album, Spirit of the Anzacs. He also received commemorative medallions and an Australian War Memorial cap. As the crowd waited behind dividers – with cameras and selfie sticks at the ready – some people appeared more excited than others. “My wife is the royal watcher,” said Lindsay Ritchie, adding that he did not mind coming to see Harry, who seemed to be a good bloke. Sharna Ritchie jokingly described her husband as “Mr ‘I Got Dragged Here By My Wife’ Ritchie’”. She had seen Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark at a previous event at the Australian War Memorial and figured this was her chance to see Harry. “It’s good for our defence members to work alongside him.” Onlooker Brendon Wolk, of Sydney, said he was in town visiting family for Easter “but this is a bonus”. “There are only two Harrys in my life,” he enthused. “Prince Harry and Harry Styles.” Many parents brought their children along because it was “a chance for them to see a bit of royalty”. Meika Drain, 10, said she had “never seen a royal person before”. Jake Drain, seven, was a keen attendee “because it’s the Queen’s grandson”. But there was another reason. “I’m excited to see if he has a motorbike,” Jake said. David Madigan-Stewart brought along a Union Jack and explained his enthusiasm: “I’m a constitutional monarchist and I believe our current constitution is the most stable form of government there is. “I’m glad my side won [the 1999 republic referendum],” he said. Bec Harrold, a visitor from Sydney, was chuffed with her brush with royalty. “He shook my hand,” she exclaimed. “I’m very, very lucky. It was incredible. I can’t believe he shook my hand. I feel so special ... He’s an amazing man. He’s got a lot of class.” |