Prince Harry's 'Biggest Fan' Daphne Dunne Dies Aged 99

Australian war widow and Prince Harry's self-confessed “biggest fan” Daphne Dunne has died just a week after her 99th birthday.

Ms Dunne’s family took to social media to confirm she passed away peacefully on Monday after battling pneumonia for almost two months.

Daphne’s daughter wrote:

“It is with the saddest of hearts that I would like to share the news that our most beloved mum and nanna, Daphne Dunne, passed away peacefully yesterday morning.

“She was a truly special lady who will be greatly missed by so many. The simple act of stoping Daphne in the street and holding her hand meant more to Daphne than anyone could ever imagine.”

Daphne's daughter went on to say:

“We, her family, would like to thank everyone for the love and support they showed Daphne.

“She spent a large part of her life representing the women of the Australian Army and her two husbands Lt. Albert Chowne VC MM and John Patrick Dunne, ensuring that their service to Australia was never forgotten.

“It is fitting that Daphne passed away on the first of April as it is a month of renewal, remembrance and reunification with her loved ones that passed before her.

“We love you mum/nanna/Daphne, always and forever."

Daphne's first husband Lieutenant Albert Chowne VC died aged 25 in 1945, just a year after they both wed.

Prince Harry noticed her late husband’s Victoria Cross pinned to her chest during a royal visit, this lead to the pair meeting.  

During Harry and Meghan's royal tour in Australia, the father-to-be introduced his new bride Meghan to Daphne.