Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do Melbourne: Top five moments

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do Melbourne: Top five moments

Thousands of Melburnians wagged school, chucked sickies and caught a pre-dawn train to catch a glimpse of Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on their whirlwind tour of Melbourne on Thursday.

There was 'that hug', the adorable pasta necklace and Meghan's stellar handball.

Here's five of our top moments from the day.

That hug

Prince Harry said: "Oh, you're going to get me in trouble."

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But that didn't stop the Duke breaking with royal protocol. He leaned across the barricade outside Melbourne's Government House and gave 19-year-old India Brown a great big hug.

She sobbed, and so did we. Her face said it all.

The pasta necklace

Australian-themed Christmas ornaments, flowers, letters, photos, woollen booties – the royal couple were showered in gifts by an adoring crowd.

Few were more unique, however, than a necklace made of ribbon, pasta and gold paint.

Sure it was no Dior, Faberge or Cartier. But, to be fair, it was made by a six-year-old.

Little Gavin Hazelwood got his chance to gift it the Duchess, and she wore it.

The handball

Is there anything she can't do? Meghan picked up a Sherrin footy and passed it like a pro, during a sports demonstration on the lawns of Melbourne's Government House.

The dress-es

Meghan stepped onto Melbourne's Government House Drive carrying a Gucci bag, a navy Dion Lee dress and a trench by Martin Grant.

Hopes had been high among the industry in Melbourne, often dubbed the "fashion capital" of Australia, that Meghan would reward the city by dressing in a local brand.

But she chose Lee, a Sydney designer.  Lee is an Australian star and deserves the attention and praise befitting such an honour.

The trench has been one of only two "repeat wear" items on the trip, the other being her Rothy's flats that have come in handy for beach walks.

The crowds

Our list wouldn't be complete with mentioning the people who welcomed Harry and Meghan to Melbourne. They travelled from the far corners of Victoria, some catching a pre-dawn train to arrive as early as 4am.  They had handmade signs, gifts and stories to share of royal visits in the past. And so, the streets of Melbourne were flooded with cheers, smiles and hugs.

When the royal couple visited South Melbourne beach, eager onlookers kicked off their shoes, rolled up their pants and waded into the chilly waters of Port Phillip Bay to get a better vantage point.