You could hear a pin drop as the official cars began to arrive but it didn't last long, a chorus of screams began as Prince Harry emerged wearing his white military uniform.

Prince Harry was quickly shepherded by security into the memorial to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but he gave the crowd a wave before he strode in.

Smart phones and selfie sticks battled for space among the large press contingent all waiting for the Prince to re-emerge.

The sea of devices rose to attention as the royal stepped out into the rain to greet the public.

Prince Harry gave his honest advice to one young girl who had asked to snap a selfie with him.

"I hate selfies," he said grinning. "I know you're young, but selfies are bad. Just take a normal photograph."

The weather didn't dampen the Prince's high spirits as he giggled and chatted with the crowds along the barricades.

For 87-year-old Win Nicholson it was all worth the wait.

"I shook his hand and then went in for a second grab," she said. "It was wonderful. He said to me 'Everyone is freezing cold, I hope they don't blame me.'"

The Prince looked likely to peel away before he turned on his feet and made a b-line for 12-year-old Radford College student Ethan Toscan who was holding a large 'Red Heads Rule' sign.

The year six student said Prince Harry demonstrated how cool having red hair was.

"The Prince said it was awesome to be a red head," Ethan said. "It was such a pleasure to meet him, shake his hand and give him a high five."

Ella Cooper and her seven year old sister Mia held up their technicolour handmade signs along the barricades which read "Harry for P.M" and "Prince Charming".

Ella, a nine-year-old Ainslie Primary School student, said she couldn't decide if she loved Prince Harry or Harry Styles from One Direction most.

But she was confident the Royal Prince would be a good leader.

"I think maybe Prince Harry should be our Prime Minister," she said. "He is very brave and also very respectful."

The personable Royal Prince has reported for duty at Canberra's Royal Military College to begin his month-long secondment to the Australian Army.