Behind the scenes of Fraser Island royal visit

IT WAS Queensland's most high-profile operation since the G20 - how to have the world's top glamour couple visit the state, and make it look good.

For the month since the visit was announced, frantic behind the scenes planning etched out the requirements of the tour down to the minute.

Kensington Palace inspected and taste-tested meals, early security details checked and double checked possible routes and ferries and rooms filled up as the massive 100-strong international media throng moved to book rooms on the island and in nearby Hervey Bay.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex meeting fans at Kingfisher Bay. Picture: Getty

Police and security tried to remain low key, but for an island that normally has two cops, they were always going to be noticed.

Purposeful groups of men and women in slacks and polo shirts were seen checking and double checking the area throughout and around Kingfisher Bay Resort.

In Hervey Bay, hotels were booked out as officers were positioned on the mainland ready to move over for the big day.

When the big day arrived, the dog squad was checking the barge approach and motorcycle and traffic police were travelling the route from the airport to the water.

Prince Harry with Buchalla dancer Joe Gala. Picture: AAP/Peter Parks

Through it all, holiday-makers were still welcomed at the resort and onto the island.

Among the stranger sights on Monday was a pair of four-wheel drives loaded with camping gear and fishing rods parked in the middle of what was supposed to be a chartered media-only barge.

But with a last-minute change of plan, the holiday-makers were put on the media barge, told it was a mix-up involving the second barge needing to be free to land to the south of Kingfisher.

As it was, Meghan arrived by water in the sleek, fast and comfortable whale watch boat, while Harry pulled in a separate vessel.

The surprised holiday-makers stood among the arsenal of high-powered camera lens wielded by Fleet Street photographers trying to grab a quick snap on their phones as they approached the island.

It wasn't just on land that security was tight. A police boat had been patrolling the island for at least the past fortnight and was moored offshore for Harry and Meghan's visit.

Police tenders were also kept close alongside vessels moving to the island.

At Pile Valley, security officers were down every road and pathway, keeping media and visitors within sight at all times.

The Duchess of Sussex receives a teddy bear from local school kids after a walk along Kingfisher Bay pier. Picture: Liam Kidston

Island visitors were warned on Sunday that there would be significant road closures, with the announcement helping narrow down some of the locations Harry was likely to visit - the road being closed to Lake McKenzie was a pretty strong tip the freshwater attraction was likely on the royal to-do list.

But come the day there were things not even the best laid plans could control - the weather and the rough tracks of Fraser.

Prince Harry with members of the Butchulla people, who are the traditional owners of Fraser Island. Picture: AAP/Darren England

The Invictus opening ceremony ran over time in Sydney, stretching the tour for the pregnant Meghan. And the massive storm that smashed Brisbane delayed flights that were to carry the media pack to Hervey Bay. It wasn't until 11pm the night before that they made it to the seaside town hosting them.

With the royal pregnancy, there were also last minute changes - Kensington Palace says the rough terrain made it unwise for the Duchess to join the cross country tour.

But for the hundreds on the Kingfisher Bay Jetty, none of it mattered. The glittering pair turned up, and the crowd lit up.