As Prince Harry and Meghan met local school children in Dubbo, a tactile five-year-old boy quietly stole the show.
Waiting patiently at the end of a line of excited children who had gathered at the airport to meet the couple, little Luke Vincent from Buninyong Public School greeted Harry with a huge bear hug.
The youngster, who has Down Syndrome and was sporting green glasses and a checkered cap with his school uniform, then couldn't resist reaching out and grabbing Harry's beard, clearly fascinated by his facial hair.
He then handed the Duchess of Sussex a bouquet of flowers, before throwing his arms around her as well.
Luke couldn't resist returning to Harry for a final hug and also indulged in a pat on the royal head for good measure, before the couple headed off to the nearby hangar of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where they unveiled a new aircraft.
Luke's school principal, Anne van Dartel later said the group were told not to touch the royals.
"I was very concerned once he started rubbing Prince Harry's face and his hair, but Prince Harry was completely gracious and was so polite and realised what was happening and (Luke's) infatuation with his beard," she told Seven Network.
"We can only thank him so much for treating Luke with such respect."
Ms van Dartel thinks Luke was fascinated with Harry's beard as it is similar to Santa Claus' - his favourite person.
But now it seems Harry is up there too - when asked who he liked more between Harry and Santa, Luke replied "both the same".
The loved-up royal couple took their time greeting each of the schoolchildren who had gathered to meet them, including Millie Sutclife, 10, who told Meghan she loved her and was rewarded with a hug from both the duke and duchess.
Daniella Clews,12, and Sovanah Doherty, 11 from Dubbo West School also scored hugs from the couple.
"I am shaking, it was amazing, I am speechless," Sovanah said afterwards.
"I am shocked, it's a once in a lifetime chance," Daniella added.
"Meghan just put her arms out to me. I am so excited. This is the best day of my life," she said.
