Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do Melbourne: Top five moments

Thousands of Melburnians wagged school, chucked sickies and caught a pre-dawn train to catch a glimpse of Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on their whirlwind tour of Melbourne on Thursday.

There was 'that hug', the adorable pasta necklace and Meghan's stellar handball.

Here's five of our top moments from the day.

That hug

Prince Harry said: "Oh, you're going to get me in trouble."

But that didn't stop the Duke breaking with royal protocol. He leaned across the barricade outside Melbourne's Government House and gave 19-year-old India Brown a great big hug.

She sobbed, and so did we. Her face said it all.

Prince Harry hugs India Brown outside Government House.Credit: Reuters

She can't believe it! Credit: Reuters

After the hug.Credit: Reuters

The pasta necklace

Meghan, he made you a necklace!Credit: Joe Hinchliffe

Australian themed Christmas ornaments, flowers, letters, photos, woollen booties – the royal couple were showered in gifts by an adoring crowd.

Few were more unique, however, than a necklace made of ribbon, pasta and gold paint.

Sure it was no Dior, Faberge or Cartier. But, to be fair, it was made by a six-year-old.

Little Gavin Hazelwood got his chance to gift it the Duchess, and she wore it.

Gavin hands Meghan the pasta necklace.Credit: Justin McManus

The handball

Is there anything she can't do? Meghan picked up a Sherrin footy and passed it like a pro during a sports demonstration on the lawns of Melbourne's Government House.

Look at that concentration.Credit: AAP

The dress-es

Meghan stepped onto Melbourne's Government House Drive carrying a Gucci bag and wearing a navy Dion Lee dress and a trench coat by Martin Grant.

Hopes had been high among the industry in Melbourne, often dubbed the "fashion capital" of Australia, that Meghan would reward the city by dressing in a local brand.

But she chose Lee, a Sydney designer. Yet Lee is an Australian star and deserves the attention and praise befitting such an honour.

The trench has been one of only two "repeat wear" items on the trip, the other being her Rothy's flats that have come in handy for beach walks.

Meghan wearing Dion Lee.Credit: Alex Coppel/Pool

Outfit change: Meghan donned a black dress for her trip to South Melbourne Beach ... very fitting for Melbourne.Credit: AAP

The crowds

Our list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the people who welcomed Harry and Meghan to Melbourne. They travelled from the far corners of Victoria, some catching a pre-dawn train to arrive as early as 4am. They had handmade signs, gifts and stories to share of royal visits in the past. And so, the streets of Melbourne were flooded with cheers, smiles and hugs.

Crowds go crazy for Harry.Credit: Justin McManus

Credit: Reuters

When the royal couple visited South Melbourne beach, eager onlookers kicked off their shoes, rolled up their pants and waded into the chilly waters of Port Phillip Bay to get a better vantage point.

Royal watchers wait in the water at South Melbourne Beach.Credit: Alex Coppel/Pool