KEY POINTS

  • Photographer Zak Hussein recalled Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's "Biblical moment" in Dubbo, Australia
  • Hussein said it started to rain in the drought-stricken community shortly after the royal couple's arrival
  • The photographer also discussed Prince Harry's sweet encounter with a little boy with Down syndrome

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had quite a few surprises and special moments during their visit to Australia three years ago.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went on their first joint royal tour of Australia in 2018, just months after they tied the knot. Royal photographer Zak Hussein recalled the "Biblical moment" he witnessed during that trip.

Hussein told People that shortly after Prince Harry and Markle's arrival at Dubbo, Australia, rain began to fall in the community, which had been experiencing drought for two years at the time.

"You had this prince and this duchess who landed in this small town, and suddenly it was like they brought on this rain, in this Biblical moment," said the photographer, whose father Anwar Hussein had captured some of Princess Diana's biggest moments.

One of the most popular photos of the royal couple was one showing Markle holding an umbrella for her husband as he delivered his speech that day. Prince Harry had given the umbrella to his then-pregnant wife so she could stay dry as he took the stage, but she walked on stage and sheltered him from the rain as he gave his speech, People reported at the time.

While Dubbo’s Mayor Ben Shields offered the prince his umbrella, Prince Harry said, “It's all right, I've got my wife," according to the outlet.

"Our region has been hit by a terrible drought, so we are very pleased that you can bring that terrible English weather here with you," the major joked before welcoming Prince Harry.

Meanwhile, Hussein also recalled Prince Harry's sweet encounter with a little boy with Down syndrome during the couple's visit to Dubbo.

According to him, the duke and duchess were greeted by a crowd as soon as they got off the plane, and a 5-year-old boy ran out from under the rope and hugged Prince Harry.

"It happened really quickly—I'm glad I had a long lens, as we were stationed a long distance away and got it all with Meghan's reaction," he said. "It very much shows how they are. They'd just announced their pregnancy, and they were showing their natural affinity."

The young boy's principal, Anne van Dartel, said the child lit up as soon as he saw Prince Harry and his beard.

"Luke's thing is Santa Claus," the principal of Buninyong Public School, Dubbo, told People. "And so as soon as he saw it [Harry's beard], we went into the panic mode because he's touching a member of the royal family! And he continued to do it. And he hugged him. So what you and I can't get away with, my beautiful friend can."

Hussein's work is currently featured in "Princess Diana: Accredited Access," a "walk-through documentary" currently open in Chicago and Los Angeles, with New York City next. His father Anwar's and brother Samir's work also appear in the exhibit.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 02: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception on October 02, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Chris Jackson/Getty Images