Prince Harry had a surprising run-in during his Windsor walkabout leading to a touching moment

PRINCE Harry ran into an old friend while on a walkabout in Windsor on the eve of the royal wedding. The results were heartwarming.

PRINCE Harry saw a surprising face when he joined Prince William for a walkabout in Windsor to greet wellwishers on the eve of the royal wedding.

With less than 24 hours to go until the big event, the two princes spent almost 10 minutes walking around Windsor, talking to the crowd gathered to celebrate his impending nuptials to Meghan Markle.

Among the throng, however, was a familiar face Harry wasn’t expecting to see.

Walking back to Windsor Castle, he spotted his old friend, Dean Stott, a former special forces soldier who he knew through the army when they trained together for six weeks in 2007.

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Britain's Prince Harry greets wellwishers on the street outside Windsor Castle on the eve of the royal wedding. Picture: AFP/Odd Andersen

Dean Stott with Prince Harry during their time spent training together in the army in 2007. Picture: Instagram.com/deanstott

Prince Harry and his best man Prince William arrive to greet wellwishers on the street outside Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP/Tolga Akmen

The former soldier has just completed a 22,500km Pan American Highway cycling trip in record time before journeying back to England to attend the royal wedding.

The two men shared a warm moment together before Prince Harry had to dash off, but not before making a jovial quip about his friend’s weight.

Talking about the moment he shared with his old friend, Mr Stott, 41, told BBC news that Prince Harry remarked that he was “looking skinny” after losing weight on the cycling trip.

“If he (Prince Harry) is nervous, he’s hiding it very well,” Mr Stott said.

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Stott has a number of photos with old friend Prince Harry on his Instagram over the years. Picture: Instagram.com/deadnstott

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said Prince Harry knew of his record-breaking cycling achievement and that he was excited to see his friend.

“Harry is aware of what I’ve achieved by crossing the finish line in record time, so I won’t be bending his ear too much about it on his big day,” Mr Stott said.

“It’s very much his and Meghan’s day to enjoy, so the focus should be on them. I’m looking forward to being there.”

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Prince Harry and Prince William look at a teddy bear, given to Harry as a gift by a wellwisher on the street outside Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP/Jonathan Brady

Prince Harry and Prince William were in high spirits when they greeted fans during their walkabout around Windsor Castle, both men joking with fans and happily posing for photos.

Prince Harry and Prince William embark on a walkabout ahead of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The event mirrored their impromptu public appearance on The Mall in central London in 2011 before William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.

Britain's Prince Harry (right) and his brother and best man Prince William greet wellwishers on the street outside Windsor Castle. AFP/Jonathan Brady

Prince Harry couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he waved to the crowds, and said he was “feeling great” ahead of the royal wedding.

Asked many times if he’s feeling nervous, the Prince replied easily, saying: “Great, thanks. How are you feeling?”

Prince Harry happily chatted to fans who waited for hours outside Windsor Castle for a glimpse of the royal groom. Picture: AFP/Adrian Dennis

A young seven-year-old fan, coincidently named Meghan, got a chance to meet the Prince, who joked with her: “There’s not very many Meghans with an ‘h’ around.”

The young fan was elated with the interaction telling The Sun she’s also a fan of Markle.

“I think she’s very nice,” she said.

Prince Harry joked with the crowd and accepted gifts such as a teddy bear. Picture: AP Photo/Peter Dejong

Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle tonight, with the ceremony kicking off at 9pm Australian eastern standard time. After a week of drama surrounding her father, Thomas Markle, which led to him pulling out of the wedding at the last minute due to health issues, Prince Charles will walk Meghan down the aisle.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle on the day before their Wedding. Picture: James Whatling/Mega

Before going on the surprise walkabout with Prince William, Prince Harry accompanied Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, to meet the Queen for afternoon tea at Kensington Palace.

Prince Harry will spend the night before the wedding with Prince William at Coworth Park, while Meghan has already arrived at Cliveden House, where she will spend her last evening as a single woman with her mother.

Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, arrive at Cliveden House Hotel to spend the night before her wedding to Prince Harry. Picture: Mega