Prince William in Australia on Jan. 21, 2010 (left), and his father, Prince Charles, Down Under in 1979
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"My father had such a great time here at school – and is still misty-eyed about an immortal moment on Bondi [Beach], when an Australian beauty planted a smacker on his cheek," William said Thursday during a speech at an Australia Day reception at Government House in Melbourne.
Added William: "It's good to see this tradition is continuing!"
Only hours earlier, one such moment occurred when deli manager Olivia McDonald, 21, from Wallen, was almost hyperventilating after getting a kiss from the prince. "I asked can I get a quick photo, can I get a quick kiss?" William said,."I need to be quick."
"He was nice and soft. He's got beautiful lips," McDonald told PEOPLE as she fanned herself with her hand.
As he brings his trip Down Under to a close, William, 27, also said, "I also remember my mother coming back from her time here in 1996, telling me what a profound impression this country had made on her, and how much she loved Australia. Three days here and now I know why."
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