Sydney - Sydney gave Britain's Prince Harry a rock star reception Saturday, with enthusiastic young royalists out in force to glimpse the dashing 29-year-old on his first official engagement to Australia representing Queen Elizabeth II.
The fourth in line to the British throne was in Australia's biggest city to attend a naval regatta in the world famous harbour.
Around 40 warships from 17 foreign navies joined 10 tall ships in a parade marking the Royal Australian Navy's first entry into the famous waterway 100 years ago.
Dressed in an immaculate white uniform to take the salute from the armada, the prince was even propositioned by 20-year-old Victoria McRae.
She paddled under the Harbour Bridge and towards his boat in a kayak with a handwritten sign that not only declared her love but gave her telephone number as well.
“He's an eligible bachelor,” McRae told local news agency AAP after her seaborne advance towards the Opera House was foiled by security. “I thought I was in with a chance.”
Better placed to win the affection of the soldier-prince were Frances and Bridget, the twenty-something daughters of Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The prince, who had changed into a business suit, was seen in the company of the pair after arriving at a reception at the prime minister's waterside official residence.
Vessels from the United States, China, Britain, Brunei, Micronesia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Tonga are taking part in the weekend festivities.
It is the prince's first official visit. He was last in Australia in 2003 to work on a cattle farm during his gap year.
He leaves for Dubai on Sunday.
Sapa-dpa