Meghan's jaw-dropping moment she spots fan she used to send 'kind' messages to
The pair exchanged messages about mental health, education and wished each other Happy New Year before Meghan deleted her account.
Wednesday 31 October 2018 15:16, UK
The moment the Duchess of Sussex's jaw dropped when she spotted a young woman she used to message on social media about mental health and education has been captured on video.
Hannah Sergel, 20, used to talk with Meghan when the then-actress had Instagram, before she deleted her social media when she joined the Royal Family.
The duchess's jaw dropped when she spotted Ms Sergel, who had been waiting in the rain holding a big sign emblazoned with the words "It's Hannah from Instagram" at the Viaduct Harbour during the royal couple's trip to New Zealand.
"Oh my god", Meghan can be heard saying in a video clip that captures her dropping Harry's hand and walking over.
"How are you?" the duchess asks Ms Sergel before she leans in and gives the young woman a big hug.
The star used to send the young woman messages of inspiration and support, and offering her kind words about Ms Sergel's mental health.
Ms Sergel is filmed giving Meghan a letter, which Prince Harry takes for safe keeping while the two women talk.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Sergel said: "I was so overwhelmed! I didn’t know what to do and kind of just freaked out.
"I didn’t expect her to even know who I was at all, I’m just so blown away by everything that happened."
Ms Sergel who co-founded a fan account for Meghan before she became a royal and posts on her personal accounts about mental health.
Meghan followed Ms Sergel back on Instagram in January 2016 and would comment on her photos and give encouraging messages to her.
"We would comment on each others photos, she would send messages that were encouraging me and things along those lines.
"She was always so kind about anything mental health-related and encouraging when it came to my education.
"[Mostly it was] just small talk about what was going on in my life really. We wished each other Happy New Year once!"
Two years ago Meghan filmed a short message thanking Ms Sergel for her support, in which she waves and blows a kiss at the camera to her.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who was with the royal couple, sent Ms Sergel a photo of Meghan's reaction through a private message.
Mrs Ardern was also on hand to comfort the overwhelmed young woman after the royal encounter.
"Can you believe I was such a mess that the prime minister of New Zealand had to comfort me," Hannah posted on Twitter.
The public walkabout in Auckland took place on the third day of the royal couple's tour of New Zealand.
The pair will spend Wednesday in Rotorua, marking the end of their 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
It is the first royal tour for the Duke and Duchess since their wedding.