ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Real Life

The heartbreaking reason behind Prince Harry and Daphne Dunne’s friendship

Get the tissues ready
  • 17 Oct 2018
The heartbreaking reason behind Prince Harry and Daphne Dunne’s friendship

Among the thousands of well-wishers who flooded the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on Tuesday to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Australia, there was one person Prince Harry couldn't wait to see, 98-year-old Aussie war widow Daphne Dunne.

Once the Prince found her, he treated Daphne to a personal introduction to his new bride Meghan Markle, who had obviously been told of their special relationship.

xx

The Duchess of Sussex meeting Daphne Dunne

Getty

‘It’s fantastic. I’m so happy to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,’ Meghan told her, with a warm embrace.

Daphne responded by congratulating the couple on the recent announcement they were expecting a baby in 2019, telling Meghan ‘it is just what he needs.’

Harry then pointed out the medals Daphne was wearing, explaining that was the reason they’d met.

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

xx

Daphne proudly wears the Victoria Cross medal awarded to her late husband, Albert Chowne

Getty

While completing a royal walk around the Sydney Opera House, following a month-long secondment with the Royal Australian Army, Daphne stood out to Harry as she was wearing a Victoria Cross medal.

Harry knew this was someone very special, the Victoria Cross being the military’s highest award for acts of bravery.

Daphne told The Daily Telegraph at the time: ‘He asked me about the Victoria Cross — he said he recognised that and wanted to know all about it.’

xx

Harry and Daphne meet for the first time in 2015

Getty

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

One of Australia’s beloved rats of Tobruk, the Australian War Memorial describes Albert as a having a reputation for bravery and leadership.

xx

Daphne's husband Lietenant Albert Chowne VC

Australian War Memorial

Posted to New Guinea, on the March 25 1945, Albert was involved in an attack on the Japanese. Seeing the leading platoon in his company run into trouble, he left his safely covered position and charged.

Despite being shot, he managed to knock out two machine guns before being killed.

He and Daphne had only been married for a year.

In September, 1945, she told the Sydney Morning Herald: ‘I would rather he had remained just ordinary and was alive. He was a wonderful man and a grand husband.’

xx
Australian War memorial

Since that first meeting, Prince harry has sought Daphne out in the crowd on multiple occasions including in 2017 and yesterday.

xx

Prince Harry remembers Daphne in 2017

Getty

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

The Duke and Duchess continue their tour today with a visit to Dubbo.

  • Real Life
  • Royals

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

Donald Trump lashes out at 'nasty' Meghan Markle

Donald Trump lashes out at 'nasty' Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan in hot water over 'cruel' photo

Prince Harry and Meghan in hot water over 'cruel' photo

Why Prince Harry 'banished' his best mate

Why Prince Harry 'banished' his best mate

Meghan and Harry slammed for ‘incredibly rude’ Christmas card photo

Meghan and Harry slammed for ‘incredibly rude’ Christmas card photo

{headline}

{headline}

Prince Harry reportedly went ‘mental’ at William for not approving of Meghan Markle

Prince Harry reportedly went ‘mental’ at William for not approving of Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle is causing ugly 'rift' between Prince Harry and William

Meghan Markle is causing ugly 'rift' between Prince Harry and William

How to make Meghan Markle's royal banana bread

How to make Meghan Markle's royal banana bread

{headline}

{headline}

Meghan Markle has been 'banned' from wearing this during her tour of Australia

Meghan Markle has been 'banned' from wearing this during her tour of Australia

Kensington Palace confirms Harry and Meghan are headed down under!

Kensington Palace confirms Harry and Meghan are headed down under!

Baby Archie in Africa - all of the adorable photos!

Baby Archie in Africa - all of the adorable photos!

Meghan opens up about struggles of life in the public eye

Meghan opens up about struggles of life in the public eye

The Queen will not be attending Archie's christening.

The Queen will not be attending Archie's christening.

Meghan versus Kate: the rumours grow.

Meghan versus Kate: the rumours grow.

Palace releases adorable photo of Archie and Harry for British Father's Day

Palace releases adorable photo of Archie and Harry for British Father's Day

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!