The pregnant Duchess of Sussex showed off her motherly touch as she met a visibly emotional five-year-old in New Zealand.

Meghan knelt down to comfort little Joe Young, who was part of a group of schoolchildren waiting to greet the royal couple outside a cafe in Wellington.

Harry also reassured the overwhelmed youngster by tickling his stomach.

The duke and duchess had a packed schedule on their first full day in New Zealand, meeting with mental health workers before flying by helicopter to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Meghan crouched down to speak to Joe Young, who rubbed his eyes as the royal visitors approached
Meghan crouched down to speak to Joe Young, who rubbed his eyes as the royal visitors approached (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Harry also comforted Joe with a tummy tickle
Harry also comforted Joe with a tummy tickle (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
A smiling Harry waved to the crowds who had come out to greet him and Meghan
A smiling Harry waved to the crowds who had come out to greet him and Meghan (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
School students held homemade signs as they hoped to catch a glimpse of the couple
School students held homemade signs as they hoped to catch a glimpse of the couple (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Later, Harry and Meghan visited Abel Tasman National Park
Later, Harry and Meghan visited Abel Tasman National Park (Paul Edwards/PA)
The couple took the time to pose for a photo with local schoolchildren
Meghan took the time to pose for a photo with local schoolchildren (Paul Edwards/PA)
They also took a stroll along the beachfront
The couple also took a stroll along the beachfront (Paul Edwards/PA)