Prince Harry’s biggest fan, Daphne Dunne, dies at 99
One of Prince Harry‘s biggest admirers has passed away.
On Monday, Daphne Dunne‘s family shared on Instagram that the 99-year-old Australian died “peacefully.” The war widow, who shared a special bond with Prince Harry, received a birthday letter from him and his wife Meghan Markle just last week.
“She was a truly special lady who will be greatly missed by so many,” Dunne’s family wrote. “It is fitting that Daphne passed away on the first of April as it is a month of renewal, remembrance and reunification with her loved ones that passed before her.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvvdrI6gmmp/
It is with the saddest of hearts that I would like to share the news that our most beloved mum and nanna, Daphne Dunne, passed away peacefully yesterday morning. She was a truly special lady who will be greatly missed by so many. The simple act of stoping Daphne in the street and holding her hand meant more to Daphne than anyone could ever imagine. We, her family, would like to thank everyone for the love and support they showed Daphne. She spent a large part of her life representing the women of the Australian Army and her two husbands Lt. Albert Crowne VC MM and John Patrick Dunne, ensuring that their service to Australia was never forgotten. It is fitting that Daphne passed away on the first of April as it is a month of renewal, remembrance and reunification with her loved ones that passed before her. We love you mum/nanna/Daphne, always and forever.
A post shared by Daphne Dunne (@daphne_dunne) on
Dunne became fast friends with Prince Harry after they met in 2015 at a royal outing in Sydney. Prince Harry, who served in the British army, went over to Dunne when he noticed her late husband’s war medals on her jacket.
Dunne met the prince twice more after that as she always waited for him in the crowd when he visited Australia. The Duke often hugged her and spent time chatting with her.
For Dunne’s recent 99th birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent her a personalized letter congratulating her on the “important and impressive milestone.”
“My wife and I send our warmest wishes to you on the occasion of your 99th birthday on Friday,” the letter began.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlzL6RA5a8/
Today I celebrated my 99th birthday. I received a lovely message from Prince Harry and Meghan which really made my day. I wanted to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday, it means a lot and has touched my heart. ❤️
A post shared by Daphne Dunne (@daphne_dunne) on
“We hope you have a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends and that you’ve managed to escape hospital. Congratulations on reaching this important and impressive milestone before your centenary year next year.”
Dunne told Nine News she was surprised that the 34-year-old prince took the time to send her a note, saying she didn’t think he would pay attention to her birthday.
The last time Dunne saw Prince Harry was at a public outing at the Sydney Opera House where he hugged her and called over 37-year-old Markle. The Duchess told Dunne “it was so nice” to meet her, and the then-98-year-old congratulated Markle on her pregnancy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpA7RTZjblN/
The very first time our eyes met, I knew this was the start of something very special. This is back in 2015 #princeharry #royaltour #daphnedunne
A post shared by Daphne Dunne (@daphne_dunne) on
In 2017, Dunne waited in the rain to say hello to Prince Harry while he was in Australia promoting the Invictus Games.
“He kissed me on the other cheek this time,” she told The Telegraph at the time.
“He really is a lovely young [man] and he’s warm and genuine and really cares about the injured servicemen and women. He’s doing a fantastic job supporting them.”
On her Instagram page, Dunne’s family wrote: “We love you mum/nanna/Daphne, always and forever.”
Source: Read Full Article