Prince Harry Lets His Emotions Take Over and Breaks Protocol by Hugging a Young Girl in Zambia

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Prince Harry officially kicked off his solo trip to Zambia on Monday! Upon his arrival, the Duke of Sussex received a warm welcome when a 9-year-old girl named Jane Chawanangwa greeted the royal with flowers at the airport in Lusaka. Shortly after, Harry met with President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at State House and delivered a speech during a special reception to mark the start of his philanthropic visit. "The goal is to create a platform not only where young people's voices are heard, but where they're supported in achieving their goals," Harry said. "I'm excited to see some of that work in action."

The following day, Harry met with the winners of the Queen's Young Leaders Awards and with Zambian veterans at the Burma Baracks. He also visited BongoHive (Zambia's first technology and innovation hub) and Circus Zambia (an organization that equips young people with life and academic skills) on behalf of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, of which he is president.

Still, the sweetest moment from Harry's trip, perhaps, was when he broke royal protocol by hugging a young girl who is a member of CAMFED, an organization that aims to eradicate poverty in Africa through educating girls and empowering young women. Royal protocol states that greetings shouldn't go beyond a handshake, but Harry was clearly moved and let his emotions take over.

Nov. 27 also happens to mark the anniversary of Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement announcement. Even though Harry and Meghan didn't get to spend the day together, something tells us Meghan was probably busy getting things ready for their upcoming move to Windsor Estate's Frogmore Cottage. Not to mention, they still have the arrival of their baby and their first wedding anniversary to look forward to.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock