Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Sydney plane forced to abort landing

The plane carrying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was forced to abort its landing at Sydney airport, just seconds from touchdown, on Friday afternoon.

Captain Nigel Rosser explained there was another plane on the runway “that was a little bit slow to roll,” and the Qantas charter flight pulled up, in what he called a “missed approach.”

The aircraft landed safely after circling the city for a second time.

Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to Sydney, after spending four days between the Pacific islands of Fiji and Tonga.

Rosser said: “There was an aircraft on the runway that was a little bit slow to roll, unfortunately hadn’t cleared the runway.

“We were too close, so the decision was made to abort the landing. It was what we call a missed approach.”

The plane was also carrying Kensington Palace staff and members of the international media. Those on board praised quick-thinking Captain Nigel Rosser and co-pilot Ann Cole.

Prince Harry and Meghan had a morning of engagements in Tonga, before departing for Sydney.

The couple met with the Prime Minister of Tonga, Akilisi Pohiva, at St George Government Building before attending an exhibition of Tongan Handicrafts at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, with Princess Angelika.

Meghan, who was wearing a striped Martin Grant frock, later changed into a blue Veronica Beard dress to unveil the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy at Tupou College.

There was time for a farewell with King Tupou VI at the Royal Palace, before the Duke and Duchess boarded the flight for Sydney.

The couple will spend the weekend watching events at the Invictus Games and the Closing Ceremony, before travelling to New Zealand for the final four days of their royal tour.

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