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Royals commend ambos for granting dying patient last wish

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have honoured two Queensland ambos for granting a dying patient’s special wish to see the water one last time, during their visit to Fraser Island on Monday.

The Duchess of Sussex delighted fans by joining Prince Harry for a short meet-and-greet on Kingfisher Bay Jetty, chatting with the Queenslanders who had gathered to greet them.

The royal couple stopped to commend paramedic Graeme Cooper and transport officer Danielle Kellam, who brought a dying patient to see the water for the last time.

Royals in Fraser Island: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry commend Queensland ambulance members.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stopped to commend paramedic Graeme Cooper and transport officer Danielle Kellam, who brought a dying patient to see the water for the last time. Source: Queensland Ambulance

“They asked us exactly where it was and said that it was a great job that we’d done,” Ms Kellam said, describing the moment as “just incredible.”

Mr Cooper told 7 News meeting the pair was “so wonderful” and something he would never forget.

“It’s just amazing, they are so humble and it was just so great to meet them,” he said.

“My heart was going 10 to the dozen, I was just so excited.”

Royals in Fraser Island: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet Queenslanders.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, receive gifts from the crowd as they walk along Kingfisher Bay Jetty during a visit to Fraser Island. Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool via REUTERS

Excited Queenslanders meet Harry and Meghan

Also excited was Marcus Tossman, the Gold Cost school boy who travelled north to meet his leading lady.

“She finally came and it better than anything I could expect,” he said.

For Brisbane-based archaeologist, Cate Connell, it was a moment she thought would never happen.

“Meghan says she’s feeling well but couldn’t do part of the journey around here because the roads were a bit bumpy,” Ms Connell said.

Royals in Fraser Island: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry meet Queenslanders.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk along the picturesque Kingfisher Bay Jetty in Fraser Island, Australia. Source: Karwai Tang / Getty Images

Few people can say they’ve holidayed with the royals.

Most visitors had no idea they’d be sharing their island adventure with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, so they soaked up every moment.

“[Prince Harry] said he loved Australia. A great man and a credit to Diana,” one man said.

Royal couple’s visit catch some by surprise

While many went to great lengths to meet the couple on their 16-day royal tour, the pair’s visit caught some by surprise.

“I was just about to go and clean my thongs,” one fisherman told 7 News.

Another local fisherman caught more than he expected.

“I was hoping to have a great day fishing which I have, got a few,” he said.

A group of phoney fishers snuck through, pretending to wet a line while really hoping to hook the best vantage point.