Prince Harry's moving message to drought-stricken farmers

The second day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Australian tour has been all about community.

The royal couple spent time with local farmers in Dubbo on Tuesday, hearing their stories of hardship, hope and perseverance during what has been an incredibly trying year with the drought.

Meghan and Harry took a hands-on approach as they carried buckets out on a farm, before sitting down with the locals to learn more about their personal experiences.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet local farmers in Dubbo. Photo: Getty
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet local farmers in Dubbo. Photo: Getty
They took the time to listen to the farmers. Photo: Getty
They took the time to listen to the farmers. Photo: Getty

As the heavens opened later in the afternoon, Prince Harry stood in the pouring rain to deliver a heartfelt message about mental health to farmers.

Harry, 34, recalled the time he spent “Jackarooing on a small 16,000 hectare property near Roma in Queensland” during a gap year in his youth, and described rural Australians warmly.

“You are the salt of the earth, honest, hard working and as tough as they come,” he said, “That resilience, sense of humour and commitment to the land are the qualities that make you unique.

“You are the backbone of this country.”

In a heartfelt speech, Harry acknowledged the difficult times many farmers have gone through. Photo: AAP
In a heartfelt speech, Harry acknowledged the difficult times many farmers have gone through. Photo: AAP
Meghan did her best to shield her husband from the rain. Photo: AAP
Meghan did her best to shield her husband from the rain. Photo: AAP

He went on to address mental health and suicide, a matter close to his heart and one he has been championing alongside his brother Prince William and sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge.

“We know that suicide rates in rural and remote areas are greater than in urban populations,” he said, “This may be especially true among young men in remote regions. But outside all of that, here is what I also know.

“You are one huge community and with that comes an unparalleled level of internal support and understanding. All you need to do is to ask for it. Your neighbour, your peer, your fellow farmer is literally right around the corner.

“Chances are, they may well be suffering too and will relish the opportunity to either listen or talk themselves.”

The royal couple took a hands-on approach during their visit. Photo: Getty
The royal couple took a hands-on approach during their visit. Photo: Getty
Getting to know the locals. Photo: Getty
Getting to know the locals. Photo: Getty

He went on to repeat that rural Australians are “the toughest people out there” and “the ones who can weather the storm or the drought.”

“But you need to know that part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it. You must not silently suffer.

“You are all in this together and if I may speak personally, we are all in this together because asking for help was one of the best decisions that I ever made.”

The royal couple watch on as a young fan innocently steals the show. Photo: Getty
The royal couple watch on as a young fan innocently steals the show. Photo: Getty

The Duke was referring to how he sought counselling to deal with the trauma of his mother Princess Diana’s death. In April last year he said he was once very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions” after trying to shut out his grief for nearly two decades.

Earlier in the day Harry and Meghan were treated to a very warm welcome from locals when they touched down in the New South Wales city on Wednesday morning.

Pregnant Meghan glowed in a stunning grey blazer designed by her famous friend, tennis player Serena Williams.

Called the ‘Boss Oversized Blazer’, Meghan’s statement jacket, which retails for $203 AUD, was teamed with a pair of black jeans by Australian label, Outland Denim and a crisp white shirt from Maison Kitsune.

After stepping off the plane, Harry and Meghan took some time to meet local fans who had lined up to meet them.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive in Dubbo on Wednesday. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive in Dubbo on Wednesday. Photo: Getty
Meghan gives young fan, five-year-old Luke Vincent, a sweet hug as Harry watches on. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan gives young fan, five-year-old Luke Vincent, a sweet hug as Harry watches on. Photo: Getty

Many were young school children, including Luke Vincent, a five-year-old with Down syndrome who gave both Meghan and Harry a warm hug.

The royal couple then helped unveil a new plane at the Royal Flying Doctor Service hangar, and spoke with health workers and local community members.

One of the cutest moments of the royal couple's Australian tour so far. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
One of the cutest moments of the royal couple’s Australian tour so far. Photo: Getty
Prince Harry also gives Luke a big hug. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Prince Harry also gives Luke a big hug. Photo: Getty
Meghan is dressed to impress in a grey blazer from Serena Williams' collection. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan is dressed to impress in a grey blazer from Serena Williams’ collection. Photo: Getty.
Local school children line up catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Local school children line up catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Photo: Getty

Hours ahead of their arrival, fans were out in force in Dubbo in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royal couple.

The streets were decorated, and some locals even prepared one of the most Aussie things ever – a special Royal beer for the occasion.

Named ‘Dubbo Royale’ the beer is a British-style lager that includes a ‘fruity’ US West Coast component, News.com.au reports.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveil a new plane at the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Dubbo. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveil a new plane at the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Dubbo. Photo: Getty
The royal couple meet with health workers as they visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service hangar. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
The royal couple meet with health workers as they visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service hangar. Photo: Getty
Meghan wears her hair in a ponytail for day two of the tour. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan wears her hair in a ponytail for day two of the tour. Photo: Getty

The Hunter Valley brewed beer, served at the Old Bank Hotel and other pubs across town, has been dubbed “marriage in a can”.

“We wanted to take a component from both Harry and Meghan, something very unique from each of them,” publican Ryan Mackintosh told Sunrise.

Meghan with a bunch of beautiful flowers given to her upon arrival in Dubbo. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan with a bunch of beautiful flowers given to her upon arrival in Dubbo. Photo: Getty
Meghan takes a moment to appreciate some flowers given to her. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
Meghan takes a moment to appreciate some flowers given to her. Photo: Getty

“For Harry’s side we took lager, and for Meghan’s side we took three hops from the West Coast.”

On Tuesday Harry and Meghan were officially welcomed to Australia at Admiralty House, before heading to Taronga Zoo and then meeting crowds outside the Sydney Opera House.

The couple arrive from Sydney. Photo: Getty, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant
The couple arrive from Sydney. Photo: Getty
Meghan holding onto her Akubra hat at the airport on the way to Dubbo. Photo: Media Mode, meghan markle prince harry dubbo, meghan markle prince harry australia, meghan markle serena williams jacket, meghan markle pregnant, meghan markle akubra
Meghan holding onto her Akubra hat at the airport on the way to Dubbo. Photo: Media Mode

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