Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by taniwha

A New Zealand naval officer and his purple mascot have captured the attention of Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle in their first public outing as a couple.

Petty Officer Aaron Gibbs had an unforgettable audience with the couple today at the Invictus Games in Toronto.

Prince Harry stopped to shake the hand of the Kiwi competitor who took the opportunity to introduce the taniwha he had been carrying around Toronto with him.

Markle was at her royal beau's side, smiling and enjoying the introduction.

PO Aaron Gibbs has carried 'Tani' the taniwha all around @InvictusToronto, privileged to introduce him to HRH Prince Harry & @meghanmarkle. pic.twitter.com/lLaBf7HG3F

— NZ Defence Force (@NZDefenceForce) September 25, 2017

The couple have found it difficult to escape the Kiwi contingent today appearing for the first time together in public at the Invictus Games tennis match between New Zealand and Australia with a group of Kiwi kids as their chaperones.

Photos of the newest royal couple featured in media around the world have also made "stars" of several children and adults wearing polo shirts featuring Kiwi logos.

Recognise these shirts? Some of our #InvictusGames team & supporters were lucky enough to sit with @meghanmarkle & HRH Prince Harry #IAMKiwi https://t.co/BgSWG5HB6b

— NZ Defence Force (@NZDefenceForce) September 25, 2017

Markle and the Prince sat side by side at the wheelchair tennis, and held hands as they walked in the middle of Toronto.

The actress, wearing a white shirt and sunglasses, sat next to the Prince on folding chairs at the side of court. It is their first appearance together, after sitting apart at the Invictus Games opening ceremony.

The couple sat with their heads close together as they watched the on-court action, leaning in to speak in one another's ears.