Prince Harry and Meghan touch down in Sydney

Prince Harry and Meghan land in Sydney for a week-long tour of Australia bookended by the opening and closing of the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have landed in Sydney for a week-long tour of Australia,which will include the opening and closing ceremonies of the Invictus Games.

The couple were due to arrive on a British Airways flight at 6.05am, but they touched down just after 7am on Qantas flight QF2, after a stop over in Singapore. The royals usually fly on British Airways, but have chosen to fly with the Spirit of Australia for their visit.

Holding hands and casually dressed, the couple walked out a back entrance and got into a car. Meghan, wearing skinny black pants and black, burgundy trimmed coat, was smiling and clutching folders, while Harry gave a thumbs up to bystanders.

It is the Duchess of Sussex’ first visit to Australia, accompanying her husband on 76 engagements over 16 days in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. The tour was timed so the couple could partake in the Invictus Games in Sydney, which Prince Harry founded in 2014. The Games give injured soldiers the chance to represent their country and compete in sports that range from powerlifting to wheelchair basketball.

ROYAL UPDATE | We got the wrong plane!

Turns out Harry and Meghan flew in on a #FlyingKangaroo https://t.co/QJ3Xaa0xAp pic.twitter.com/oSGAAQnGuB

— 2GB 873 (@2GB873) October 14, 2018

A police motorcade whisked them away just after 7.40am to Admiralty House where dozens of locals were waiting to greet them.

The royal couple waved at them as they drove throught the gates of the Governor-General’s Sydney residence just after 8am.

Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex married only four months ago in the most modern wedding the Royal family has seen.

According to a press release from Kensington Palace, the pair will “focus on youth leadership, and projects being undertaken by young people to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the region.”

The couple will also visit Dubbo during their visit. Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning said the royals want to meet as many Australians as possible during their tour, including those affected by the drought. She said Prince Harry is “someone of deep substance.”

The Premier also promised Australia would be in for a few surprises that had not yet been made public, and that fans of the royals would be very happy.

The Duchess of Sussex is an accomplished public speaker and deeply engaged with charities. She is the Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada, and advocates for women and gender equality with the UN.

The couple will spend today resting after their 24 hour journey, and will start official tour business tomorrow by cuddling koalas at Taronga Zoo, and meeting with the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Cosgrove.

The pair did not have an official greeting at the airport this morning but have arrived safely and are on their way to Admiralty House in Kirribilli.