Meghan Markle spotted a young fan she used to mentor through Instagram in New Zealand, and the touching moment was captured on film.
The Duchess of Sussex was greeting the public alongside her husband Prince Harry at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland on Tuesday, when she recognised 20-year-old Hannah Sergel in the crowd.
In a sweet video, Meghan’s jaw dropped as she mouthed “Oh my God” and came over to give Hannah a hug.
the wee “oh my god” when she realises it’s me ???????????? pic.twitter.com/aHOfAty6a1
— hannah (@bellisariho) October 30, 2018
look at how fast harry gets the letter ???????????? bye pic.twitter.com/DtIZc3HtWD
— hannah (@bellisariho) October 31, 2018
LOOK AT HANNAH AND MEGHAN BEING ADORABLE DJSKSJKZJDGD pic.twitter.com/8k82Q3zwGd
— Marie (@MyQueenTroian) October 30, 2018
The student was holding a sign that read, “It’s Hannah from Instagram,” when Meghan noticed her.
Before the Duchess deleted her Instagram account following her engagement to Prince Harry, the former actress used to send Hannah motivational messages encouraging her to do well at university.
The 37-year-old even sent Hannah a video message in 2016, personally thanking her for her support.
this will never not make me cry pic.twitter.com/21TDkhRriL
— hannah (@bellisariho) October 30, 2018
Speaking to New Zealand’s 1 News, Hannah said, “She said ‘thank you for getting in touch,’ and then she gave me a hug and said she would read my letter that I gave her.
“I was friends with her on Instagram before she had to deactivate her account. We used to have conversations and stuff on there. She would tell me to do well at university and encourage me to be myself.”
She added that it “means the world” to her that Meghan recognised her.