The real reason why Meghan Markle kept her shoes on during beach visit

The whole of Australia (and the world, to be honest) can’t get enough of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Thursday marked day three of their first international royal tour together, with the pair visiting Melbourne.

After a day filled with activities in the city centre of the Victorian capital, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ventured out to South Melbourne beach.

Normally beachgoers would take their shoes off to evade getting sand in their shoes, but on their official walkabout Meghan and Harry opted to keep their footwear on.

The reason for this is simple – it goes against royal protocol to go barefoot in public.

Earlier this year, the Duchess of Cornwall had a different approach when it came to a beach visit with her husband Prince Charles.

Whilst the couple were on a tour of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Charles and Camilla visited Derrynane beach with the Duchess opting to go sans shoes.

However, she didn’t really break royal protocol as she kept her nude stockings on as she took in the surroundings with her husband.

We also can’t forget Kate Middleton’s visit to an Aussie beach in 2014.

Unlike Meghan who changed into flats for her beach visit on Thursday, the Duchess of Cambridge wore wedged heels to Manly beach during on her royal tour of Australia four years ago.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Melbourne

In Melbourne on Thursday, Meghan was taken by surprise during an official appearance in the Victorian capital.

The 37-year-old accompanied Prince Harry to a special engagement to learn about some innovative programs developed by young Victorians, but she wasn’t expecting a slight fright when she met a particular group of school students.

Meghan and Harry diligently inspected a scaled miniature Formula 1 car designed and made by Trinity Grammar students, but as the mini vehicle zoomed down a makeshift track, Meghan jumped and covered her mouth, before nervously bursting into laughter.

Prince Harry and the school students giggled along with the Duchess of Sussex after her startled moment which was captured on camera.

Earlier that day the Duke and Duchess met locals along Government House Drive before heading into Government House for a reception hosted by the Governor of Victoria the Honourable Linda Dessau AC.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Dubbo visit

Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met five-year-old schoolboy Luke Vincent, who was overjoyed to come face-to-face with the royal couple.

He’d been waiting for the royal couple for hours, and in a heartwarming moment, the kindergartener dove straight in for a cuddle with Harry as the royal bent down to greet him.

The young boy, who has Down syndrome, was fascinated by the Duke of Sussex’s scruffy beard, and he reached in to touch it before presenting a pregnant Meghan with a some flowers and a hug.

According to Luke’s mum, he “loves” beards.

“Luke’s favourite person is Santa Claus, isn’t it?” she told 7News, to which Luke replied, “Yeah, Santa Claus.”

Mrs. Vincent admitted she was slightly concerned after Luke “jumped up” on Harry, as she was told there was a “no touching” rule around the royals.

“I was very concerned once he started rubbing Prince Harry’s face and his hair, but Prince Harry was completely gracious,” she said. “And was so polite and realised what was happening and his infatuation with his beard.

“We can only thank him so much for treating Luke with such respect.”

Meghan Markle is pregnant

Just hours after they arrived in Australia on Monday, the royal pair announced they were expecting their first child together.

“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019,” the palace said in statement on Twitter.

“Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”

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