Prince Harry’s 99-year-old “favourite Aussie” Daphne Dunne has died days after receiving a birthday card from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Australian war widow who affectionately known as a royal super fan of Harry’s died after falling ill with pneumonia.
She died at the Sydney Adventist Hospital on Monday, three days after her 99th birthday.
Her granddaughter, Ms Haywood said: “She fought as hard as she could, but it just got too much. It’s just so sad, you always want a little bit more heart”.
Prince Harry meets war widow Daphne Dunne
Harry and Ms Dunne had met many times but most recently in a heart-warming moment outside the Sydney Opera House, during the royal couple’s tour.
The 2018 meeting was the third time they had met, as Harry ran over to kneel next to her wheelchair and give her a hug.
Speaking to Ms Dunne at the time, he said: “I was looking for you earlier and hoped you’d be here, it’s so good to see you again.”
Meghan Markle also knelt down to hug Ms Dunne and said: “I’m so glad to meet you.”
The war widow’s first husband, Lieutenant Albert Chowne, died aged 25 in 1945 during an attack on a Japanese machinegun post in Papua New Guinea.
He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross which Mrs Dunne wore when she first met Harry.
Ms Dunne said: “Harry is a wonderful man and I’m so happy he had found happiness.”
She celebrated her 99th birthday with her grandchildren and nieces. Ms Haywood said: “She had the most beautiful day, surrounded by so much love and colour and flowers.”
The card Meghan and Harry sent to her for her birthday “meant so much”, Ms Haywood added.
