Harry and Meghan mobbed at Bondi Beach during emotional visit

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex proved popular in their Sydney visit, where they heard harrowing survival stories from the Bondi Beach attack.

IN SYDNEY

A crowd of hundreds has mobbed Prince Harry and Meghan at Bondi Beach today, shouting out welcoming greetings and handing them gifts as they walked down the esplanade toward the sand.

Word of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to the area had quickly spread, despite being kept off the official itinerary.

They were peppered with questions by local reporters and chatted briefly with fans who approached them as they briskly made their way to the waterline to watch a lifeguard demonstration.

Harry and Meghan mobbed at Bondi beach

The royal couple’s Aussie tour…

Harry and Meghan are mobbed by fans and reporters as they arrive at Bondi Beach. Picture: Supplied
The couple are on the final day of their whirlwind trip to Australia, and kicked it off with a visit to the iconic Sydney beachside hotspot.

They spoke with members of the Jewish community and survivors of the Bondi massacre, before chatting with a group of local lifeguards.

Harry and Meghan hit sunny Bondi. Picture: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images
The couple heard the harrowing stories of survival of those at Bondi Beach during last year’s massacre, appearing emotional as they spoke with a mother who’d had to shield her young daughter with her body as shots rang out.

Jessica Chapnik Khan was at the scene with her five-year-old daughter as the horror unfolded, and spoke about how she kept the little girl calm as they faced what she was certain would be their final minutes.

Harry and Meghan had plenty of visitors come to greet them in Bondi. Picture: Supplied
On the final day of their Aussie visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were also taken to Bondi Beach Surf Pavilion, where they were shown the permanent exhibition of items left behind as tributes at the site of the December 14 attack.

Two gunman, allegedly Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, opened fire during a Jewish festival by the iconic beach, killing a total of 15 people, including 10-year-old girl, Matilda.

Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son remains behind bars awaiting trial on 59 charges.

The mood was lightened afterwards as the pair met with a group of Bondi lifeguards – one of whom was clearly a bit overwhelmed at meeting royalty.

Prince Harry meets volunteer first responders from Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, during a visit to Bondi Beach. Picture: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan pose for a selfie photo as they meet volunteers. Picture: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images
As Harry introduced himself, with a simple “hi, I’m Harry!”, 38-year-old Amy Cartwright quickly responded: “Hi, I’m Harry.”

As she flushed with embarrassment and corrected her mistake, Harry was in fits of laughter as he pointed out: “no, I’m Harry, YOU’RE Amy!”

Harry and Meghan then hopped on a sailing boat with a delegation of veterans from Invictus Australia, departing from Man O’War steps next to the Sydney Opera House, heading for Rushcutters Bay. Following that, Meghan will branch off to take part in the Her Best Life wellness retreat.

Tonight, they’ll watch the Waratahs take on Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium to mark the end of their Aussie activities.