The Duke of Sussex spoke of “fast fashion” and its environmental impact as he and his wife took to the beach in Melbourne.

Harry and Meghan’s last engagement of the day in Victoria saw them visit South Melbourne beach, where they heard about BeachPatrol’s efforts to keep the local coastline litter-free and reduce the impact on the marine environment.

Royal tour of Australia – Day Three
Crowds wait to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on South Melbourne Beach (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Students from Albert Park primary school and Albert Park college – who had been helping to keep the beach tidy – showed the couple bags containing plastic cups, bottles and straws which they had found in the sand.

The duke said: “There is literally plastic everywhere. And, you know, microplastics are a real problem, especially the microplastics from fast-fashion. Did you know that’s one of the biggest culprits?”

Meghan told the pupils: “It’s amazing what you guys are doing.

“Well done, you’re doing a really great job. Keep it up.”

The couple then strolled hand in hand towards an assembled group of lifeguards with one, Sebastian Top, asking if they were going for a dip.

Royal tour of Australia – Day Three
Meghan wore shoes made from recycled water bottles during her visit to South Melbourne Beach (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

“Maybe not today,” laughed Meghan, who was wearing eco-friendly shoes made from recycled water bottles by Rothy’s.

Harry pointed to a group of around 30 people who had waded into the sea from the beach to get a better view of them.

He said: “If we try and swim, I think they might be a bit of a hazard.”