Daphne Dunne elderly woman who stole Prince Harry heart died aged 99

The 99-year-old woman who stole Prince Harry's heart has died

Daphne Dunne passed away from pneumonia - by April Glover

Daphne Dunne, the 99-year-old royal fan who won the heart of Prince Harry and the rest of the world, has died.

Daphne - a war widow from Sydney - passed away on Tuesday after a two-month battle with pneumonia.

The 99-year-old woman who stole Prince Harry's heart has died

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Just days ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sent Daphne a letter congratulating her on her 99th birthday.

'Dear Daphne, my wife and I send our warmest wishes to you on the occasion of your 99th birthday on Friday,' the royal wrote.

'We hope you have a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends and that you’ve managed to escape hospital!

'Congratulations on reaching this important and impressive milestone before your centenary year next year.'

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Daphne caught Harry’s eye for the first time back in 2015.

While completing a royal walk around the Sydney Opera House Daphne stood out to Harry as she was wearing a Victoria Cross medal.

The Victoria cross had been presented posthumously to Daphne’s first husband Lietenant Albert Chowne.

Famous photographs show Daphne embracing Prince Harry and warmly clutching his face.

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He always greets her with a kiss and has time for a special chat.

Speaking with the Today Show, Daphne's daughter Michelle Haywood said the royal letter had really 'lifted her mother’s spirits'.

'Meghan and Harry have gotten mum through this terrible illness she’s had. She’s still very unwell and I think, you know, if anything, the card they sent means so much,' she said.

Daphne excitably greeted Harry on each of his Australian visits — first in 2015, in 2017 and again in 2018.

April Glover