An “overwhelmed” Australian teacher was thrust into the open arms of Prince Harry at the steps of the Sydney Opera House today, much to the delight of her giggling students.

After meeting pupils from New South Wales’ St Marys South Public School, Prince Harry gave their teacher Megan Loader a hug and posed for photographs with her while her students cheered and laughed.

The schoolchildren were treated to an exclusive royal audience with the prince, who told them the best thing about not being directly in line to the throne was: “I don’t have to wear a crown, which is cool.”

Ms Loader and her pupils were among hundreds at the Opera House hoping to meet the prince ahead of his trip to New Zealand, which comes after a four-week military exchange with the Australian army.

“It’s a big success for my first excursion with the school,” she managed to say, after the hug.

“We came today to go the Botanical Gardens and ended up here.”