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SECURITY is out in full force ahead of the royal couple’s arrival in Bondi Beach this morning.
Royal fans lining the iconic beach yelled “There’s a sniper on the roof!” as two police dressed in black and holding guns appeared on a high rise apartment block overlooking the southern end of Bondi Beach.
As with any royal visit, there’s a heavy security presence on the ground as well — but they’re looking more colourful than ever.
Police patrolling the beach are donning floral leis for an upcoming activity hosted by local mental health group One Wave, which Meghan and Harry will take part in.
Barriers have been erected on the beach extending into the waves, where board riders appear to have been told to keep away from Bondi’s famous southern end surfing spot.
Security are frisking the crowd at the barrier, checking gifts the public might have for the royal couple.
“Have you got any knuckle dusters or knives?” one lei-wearing offficial jokingly asked a woman as she showed him the contents of her bag.
It’s a step down from Tuesday’s Opera House visit though, where royal fans had to enter the area through a security check and have their bags scanned. No checks were in place at Bondi today.
CROWDS GATHER ON BONDI BEACH
The Duke and Duchess of Susbad are due to arrive at the beach in any moment.
Fans have been gathering on the golden sands of Bondi since 6am this morning — and one pair may have prepared the most Aussie gift yet for Meghan and Harry.
Jarrod Allen and Giovani Testini have rolled up to give the couple a traditional Bondi welcome — in budgie smugglers.
They’ve even come armed with a tiny pair of swimmers for the royal baby.
“We did it when his brother came last time,” Jarrod said of Prince William’s 2014 visit.
There are plenty of unique outfits on display, including colourful tutus, neon headdresses — and even a giant tomato costume.
British university student Lissy Broad, 20, is here for one reason.
“My mum’s a huge fan. She camped out for their wedding. I’m here to rub it in her face,” she laughed while applying mascara, in case she meets the prince.
Then there’s young Sunni, who hopes to get Harry’s attention with a single message:
Local mum Athena brought her two kids James, 9, and Helena, 11 down to catch a glimpse of the couple before school.
“We’ve always been fans of Harry but even more since Meghan came on the scene,” Athena said. She’s an everyday individual. It’s nice to have someone so down to earth.”
In addition to meeting One Wave, the Duke and Duchess will take part in Fluro Friday, where people share their experiences with mental health issues and interact with others while surfing and doing yoga.
They will also walk along the beach to meet members of the public.
Prince Harry is then expected to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Friday afternoon with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Invictus Games competitors to raise the Invictus flag.
Late in the afternoon, Meghan and Harry will meet Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Admiralty House, followed by a meeting between the Duchess and the PM.
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