Prince Harry Steps in to Handle Awkward 'Break in Protocol' as Reporter Tries to Take a Selfie
Prince Harry handles an awkward moment in Melbourne after a reporter’s selfie attempt breaks protocol during a tightly controlled event
Prince Harry embarks on the third day of his Australian trip alongside his wife, Meghan Markle. Dubbed a quasi-royal tour, a reporter's selfie attempt has led to an awkward moment. A reporter seemingly took out his phone to take a picture with the Duke and Duchess, which forced Harry to step in.
On April 14, the Harry and Markle reached Down Under for the first time since their 2018 royal tour. However, on day 3, the couple took a Scar Tree Walk in Melbourne, and it soon turned chaotic as fans and well-wishers surrounded them. A group of local journalists and press photographers also joined the scene. Five police officers showed up as more and more media crowded around the couple on a bright Melbourne morning. One journalist, in particular, caused a bit of a stir when he tried to sneak in a selfie.
Harry stepped in as the situation was getting disruptive. He guided the reporter away gently from Markle’s way. The journalist was later identified as Channel 7’s Paul Dowsley. He had earlier been seen having a few cordial exchanges with the Sussexes’ communications director, Liam Maguire. Dowsley revealed to Daily Mail (via Mirror), “I suppose it's a break in protocol to ask for a selfie with a royal, but he told me that I'm always so well-dressed.” He has been present at all of the Sussexes’ engagements so far, keeping a close eye on their schedule. On Thursday morning, he stood out in a beige suit with a floral tie and later shared that his interactions with Harry have been relaxed and good-humoured. He even got a compliment on his tie from the Duke.
Harry and Meghan joined an Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne, a short guided experience led by the Koorie Heritage Trust. The 30-minute walk takes you through tens of thousands of years of history, starting at Federation Square and following the Yarra River all the way to the scar trees in Yarra Park. Along the way, Meghan spent time chatting with local families and getting a closer look at traditional tools.
Following that, Harry will wrap up the day by giving a speech as one of the keynote speakers at InterEdge Summit. The royal couple will close their Australia tour in Sydney with a busy final day lined up. They will kick things off on Sydney Harbour with a sailing event alongside Invictus Australia, continuing their focus on supporting the veteran community. Later, they will switch things up and head to a Super Rugby Pacific match, where the NSW Waratahs will face Moana Pasifika. After that, Markle will move on to her “Her Best Life” wellness retreat, which is a three-day event. Marketed as “ultimate girls weekend,” 300 women will be attending the retreat, which will take place at the luxe InterContinental Coogee Beach.
