'That was incredible': Christchurch woman left stunned after hug from Meghan Markle

Tuesday, 30 October 2018

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a beeline for an online friend at a walkabout in Auckland on Tuesday.

A Christchurch woman who has been encouraged by Meghan Markle in the past is stunned that the duchess recognised her in an Auckland crowd.

Hannah Sergel received a hug from the Duchess of Sussex during a walkabout at the Viaduct on Tuesday.

The pair used to follow each other on social media, and have had conversations in which Meghan encouraged Sergel to be herself.

On Tuesday, Sergel held up a sign that read 'It's Hannah from Instagram'. Meghan saw the sign and embraced Sergel, saying 'Good to see you'.

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Sergel handed the duchess a letter, before starting to cry and being comforted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

'That was incredible . . . I'm shaking so much,' Sergel said.

She had travelled from Christchurch for the occasion, getting to the Viaduct at 8.30am to secure a spot.

She said she had not expected Meghan to recognise her, but 'I hoped and then it just came true'.

Sergel told media she had followed the duchess on Instagram after watching Suits.

'I watched a lot of interviews and just thought she was an amazing person and human being,' she said.

'One day she followed me back and we had a conversation.'

Sergel said the duchess' words inspired her.

'She would tell me to do well at university and encourage me to be myself.'

She had written Meghan a letter, which thanked her for using her public platform for good, she said.

'She said 'thank you so much for getting in touch' and then she took my letter and told that she'd read it.

'It means the world to me. I am so shaky and flustered. When I first saw her I cried.'

Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, also received a raft of gifts during the walkabout, including an All Blacks onesie for their baby, which is due in the northern hemisphere's spring.