Gorgeous George: Regal in red Kate wears Queen’s New Zealand brooch as she arrives in Wellington… but it’s her baby prince who steals the show
- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down at Wellington Airport with Prince George this morning
- They briefly stopped over in Sydney where they were met by a New Zealand Air Force military jet
- The family's landing was delayed as country has been hit by bad weather
- They left the UK on Saturday night on a scheduled Qantas flight, taking up the entire First Class cabin
- William and Kate will base their young son in Wellington, Sydney and Canberra during their three week tour
He may be only eight months old.
But Prince George made an assured appearance on his debut royal tour this morning.
Arriving in New Zealand on the first day of a three-week trip Down Under, the third in line to the throne took the windswept welcome in his stride, although he looked a little chilly in a cream jumper and shorts.
Scroll down for video
Touch down: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived earlier in the day with baby Prince George to begin their tour of New Zealand and Australia
Royal wave: William waved as he led his family down the airplane stairs after their arrival in the New Zealand capital was delayed by bad weather
With a lifetime of royal engagements ahead of him, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are understandably protective of their young son.
Indeed, his appearance today was only the second time he has been seen in public, the first being when he left hospital at just one day old.
But there was nothing to worry about - not even the ravages of 30 hours on a plane – as the little prince behaved himself beautifully.
He wore a cream cardigan over a white shirt, matching shorts and soft leather shoes and socks - ideal for a baby who has just started crawling.
The outfit was a modern version of the smocked top and peach bloomer style shorts that William wore when he visited the country at the same age.
His mother looked equally refreshed and particularly elegant in a pillar-box red coat by Catherine Walker, a British designer favoured by William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and a pillbox hat by Gina Foster.
She was also wearing a diamond and platinum silver fern brooch, on loan from the Queen.
Full of energy: Held securely in his mother's arms, Prince George seemed unfazed by their 30 hour flight and squirming about looking eager to be on firm ground
Traditional: The young prince wore a cream cardigan over a white shirt, matching shorts and soft leather shoes and socks - ideal for a baby who has just started crawling. His outfit was a modern version of the smocked top and peach bloomer style shorts that William wore when he visited the country at the same age
Change of outfit: Both Kate and her son took the opportunity to change during the flight from Sydney to Wellington which was delayed by 20 minutes
The monarch was given the bejewelled version of New Zealand’s recognised national symbol on Christmas Day 1953 during her landmark six month world tour.
A committee of women's organisations in Auckland raised money in order to gift the Queen with the standout jewel and it has been worn by the monarch for New Zealand-related functions ever since.
Earlier on Monday there had been some uncertainty as to whether the flight would even be able to land after dozens of planes were diverted from Wellington due to low cloud and heavy rain.
But concern eventually evaporated after the couple were seen happily boarding their jet for the final stage of their journey around the world in Sydney.
The family and their 11-strong entourage had left London on Saturday night, taking up the First Class section of a scheduled Qantas flight via Dubai.
Disembarking 27 hours later in Australia, the Duchess looked elegant in a £310 (USD$514/ AUD$555) Max Mara wrap dress previously worn during a visit to Hope House in London in February last year.
She teamed the designer ensemble with beige suede £400 (USD$663/ AUD$714) Manolo Blahnik heels, and smiled as she walked across the tarmac with her waving son in her arms.
Smartly dressed in a freshly pressed blue suit, William walked next to her carrying a battered brown holdall and a plush kangaroo backpack, a gift to George from the Australian Koala Foundation which has already sold out.
Wild weather: The Duchess kept a keen eye on her elegant pillar-box red coat by Catherine Walker as she battled strong winds on her way down the jet's stairs
Billowing: Kate looked composed as her skirt billowed and lifted in the strong wind
Strong gusts: The Duchess' pillbox hat by Gina Foster managed to stay firmly in place despite the windy weather
A Royal New Zealand Air Force jet carried the family on the last three hours of their marathon journey and will also ferry them around the country for the next ten days.
Kate and her son had taken the opportunity to change during the flight, which arrived 20 minutes late and was greeted by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
Thanks to the services of her on-board hairdresser, Amanda Cook Tucker – who is being paid for by Prince Charles out of his private fortune – the Duchess’ famous flowing locks looked eminently salon-worthy.
Among the entourage seen disembarking was George’s full-time nanny, Spanish born Maria Teresa Turrion Borallo, a quiet, studious figure, who has not been seen in public before.
While the couple’s previous foreign tours have been dominated by chatter about Kate’s wardrobe, George will clearly be the centre of attention as his parents spend the next three weeks touring New Zealand and Australia.
After disembarking in Wellington, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a traditional ceremonial welcome at Government House where they were met by traditional Maori warriors as well as a local dignitary, who rubbed noses with William and Kate as they stood on the soggy lawn outside the stately home.
The traditional Maori greeting is called a Hongi, and it is done by pressing one's nose and forehead to another person in an encounter.
Meanwhile, the giggling Duchess didn't know where to look as she chatted to one heavily tattooed Maori warrior, who was bare-bottomed in his traditional clothing.
During the greetings, Kate was kept dry from the teeming rain by a woman holding an umbrella, and as the rain subsided, she and the Duke were treated to a Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry dance that was performed on the lawn.
The family will spend the rest of the day privately, trying to beat their jet leg.
Shocked: The adorable eight month old appeared quite taken aback as a gust of wind blew through his hair
Flawless: The 32-year-old looked radiant in her designer ensemble as she held the adorable young prince in her arms
Sweet smile: With her young son in one hand, the Duchess smiled and waved to the New Zealand dignitaries waiting on the family's arrival while young George seemed taken by something in the other direction
Royal welcome: The family was greeted by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Kate wore the Queen's diamond and platinum silver fern brooch, an important New Zealand emblem, that was presented to the Queen on her visit to the nation during her landmark 1953-54 world tour
Unloading: Assistants helped carry an array of luggage off the jet (L) and Prince George's Nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, who has never been seen in public before, also disembarks (R)
Eager members of the public are to be given no less than six glimpses of Prince George on his first royal tour, including a photo call at Government House in Wellington and a visit to the world famous Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
Despite strong republican movements in both countries, the tour has sparked a level of hysteria not seen since Prince Charles introduced his new bride, Princess Diana, and their baby son William, on a similar tour in 1983.
William, aged just nine months, won the heart of his future subjects as he crawled around a blanket on the grounds of Government House in Auckland with his toy Buzzy Bee.
And he even earned the family nickname Wombat after Diana encountered one of the famous Antipodean marsupials in Australia.
Now William is bringing his own wife and son to introduce them to the countries they may one day rule, albeit many years from now.
Although the three week trip has been more than a year in the planning, it has very much been designed with baby George in mind, according to aides.
And instead of hawking themselves from city to city, as is customary on overseas royal visits, William and Kate will base their young son in three different ‘hubs’: Wellington, Sydney and Canberra.
The arrangement means his doting parents will be able to travel back to see George almost every night – bar a stop-over in Queenstown, New Zealand, and another at Ayers Rock in Australia.
Traditional welcome: The Duchess rubbed noses with a local dignitary as she and her husband were officially welcomed at Government House in Wellington later on Monday
Eyes front, Kate! She chatted to several Maori warriors as she made her way across the soggy lawn
The warmest of welcomes: Prince William also rubbed noses with the local dignitary as he arrived at Government House
Traditional: Kate was all smiles as she greeted a host of traditionally dressed men and women
‘It’s a long way to go and [would mean] a long time away from their son,’ the couple’s private secretary, Miguel Head, said earlier this month.
‘The tour has been designed with Prince George’s consideration and comfort in mind.
‘Taking a nine month old on a Royal tour is not a first, but it has not happened in this Royal Family’s context for many, many years so there has been much to think about – as any new parent travelling long distance will recognise.’
Royal aides have warned that George’s scheduled public appearances are open to change given his young age and the fact that no-one knows how he will cope with the long journey and time difference.
Sources have told Mail Online that the little prince is also teething – as well as starting to crawl - which will only add to the unpredictability.
As royal heirs tend not to travel together for reasons of security, the monarch has also given her permission for George, who is third in line to the throne, to fly with his father and mother.
‘Although there is some precedent the Queen has to give permission for this to happen [and] that is indeed what has happened,’ said Mr Head.
Unlike William’s visit with his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, this latest tour has been designed to be casual and informal.
Chatty: The Duchess later went for a stroll around the gardens with the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Materparae
Traditional display: William and Kate were treated to a Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry dance that was performed on the lawn
Military honour: Prince William was welcomed by a guard of military officials
Touched: The Duchess gracefully thanked a group of young school children who presented her with a bouquet of flowers
Beautiful gift: Kate smiled and joked as she posed for photos with the local children
Although the young royals are expected to draw huge crowds, there will be no black tie events - and certainly no tiaras – which will come, no doubt, as a disappointment to Kate’s many fashion-watchers.
Indeed, aside from two ‘smart-ish’ receptions, the emphasis is on low-key ‘meet and greets’, designed to allow the couple to shake hands with as many members of the public as possible.
Their tour will begin in earnest on April 9 when George undertakes his first official engagement of what is likely to be a long royal career.
In the grounds of Government House he will attend an event to recognise the work of the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, which provides healthcare and support to new parents. Other mothers and their babies of the same age will be present.
William and Kate will attend a number of military engagements and receptions during their time in New Zealand as well take part in a yacht race in Auckland and some exhilarating 50 mph white water rafting on the Shotover River near Queenstown.
Outlining the yacht race, which is designed to highlight New Zealand’s outstanding Americas Cup successes, Mr Head said: ‘The couple will arrive at the Emirates Team New Zealand base and board a boat that will take them to two of the team’s yachts – the Duke on one, the Duchess on the other.
‘There will be a number of ‘informal’ match races between the two racing yachts. As everyone probably knows, however, the Duke and Duchess are just a little competitive….’
The family’s first stop in Australia is Sydney, where they will spend the majority of their nine-day visit, but will also take in the stunning Blue Mountains, devastated by bushfires.
First stop: The Duke and Duchess arrived in Sydney earlier on Monday morning where they transferred from their Qantas flight to a Royal New Zealand Air Force jet
Perfectly styled: Kate looked elegant in a Max Mara wrap dress previously worn during a visit to Hope House in London in February last year
Kate will also visit a children’s hospice and then join her husband on Manly Beach to celebrate the work of Australia’s world famous lifeguards.
It is hoped that George will undertake another official engagement while in Australia when he visits Taronga Zoo where the Bilby (a native, long-eared rat-type marsupial) Enclosure was named after the little prince when he was born.
But the baby will be left behind when the couple visit the legendary Ayer’s Rock, or Uluru as it is known by the Aboriginal population and enjoy a night’s ‘glamping’ in a luxury resort.
After a night away, the family will be reunited for the final two legs of the tour in Adelaide and Canberra.
Kate has never visited either country before and is said to be ‘hugely excited’ at the prospect of the trip.
‘There is no hiding the enthusiasm for this visit by both The Duke and The Duchess,' said their private secretary.
'The Duke because he has been here before, and the Duchess because she has never been to either country but has wanted to do so as long as she can remember.
Quick chat: The couple shared a quite word while on the tarmac
Coping well: The young royal looked wide awake and was seen waving his arms in delight after the 27 hour flight
‘The Duke has no doubt that his wife will fall in love with New Zealand and Australia every bit as much as he did.’
Their tour party is relatively small compared to traditional royal tours with two private secretaries (one each for the Duke and Duchess), three press officers, a tour secretary and an orderly to help manage the logistics.
Former ambassador, Sir David Manning, will also be on hand to guide the couple.
Kate will not be taking a dresser – preferring to organise her extensive wardrobe herself – but will take a personal assistant and her hairdresser, Amanda Cook Tucker.
Although the idea of employing someone to organise your wardrobe seems rather archaic, the Duchess is likely to have around 32 changes of dress during the 45 plus engagement trip – sometimes having to swap outfits two or three times a day.
And with the eyes of the world fixed on whatever she wears, she cannot afford to put a foot wrong.
According to sources she is sticking to tried and trusted favourites such as Jenny Packham, Emilia Wickstead and High Street stores such as LK Bennett. But she also plans to showcase some local designers.
Peekaboo: Prince George cast a glance to his admirers as the Duke and Duchess boarded a flight bound for New Zealand on Monday morning
Elgant: The Duchess also looked remarkably fresh in an elegant Max Mara wrap dress while William wore a pressed blue suit
Taking care: The Duchess of Cambridge gingerly cradles Prince George as they step into an awaiting car
So far there have been only a couple of minor hiccups – including a diplomatic spat with the King of the Maoris who pulled out of a planned meeting with the Duke and Duchess as he felt aggrieved they could only ‘spare’ him ninety minutes out of their busy schedule.
The country’s Prime Minister John Key intervened, insisting that it was actually a rather generous offer given the hectic nature of the timetable, but the meeting has not be re-arranged.
The New Zealand government has also come under fire from the former head of Scotland Yard’s royalty and diplomatic protection unit, Dai Davies, for releasing a minute by minute schedule and maps of their public appearance, describing them as a ‘gift’ to terrorists.
Modern replica: Prince George's cream cardigan and white shorts was a modern version of the smocked top and peach bloomer style shorts that William wore when he visited the country at the same age
YACHTS, ROCKS AND GLAMPING: KATE AND WILLIAM'S ACTION-PACKED TOUR
Christchurch is New Zealand's third biggest city and was devastated by earthquakes in February 2011, which killed 185 people
MONDAY APRIL 7: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George arrive in Wellington on Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft. Ceremonial welcome at Government House including a Maori Powhiri, guard of honour and 21 gun salute.
TUESDAY APRIL 8: Day of leisure for family after 25-hour flight.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 9: Engagement to recognise work of the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society at Government House.
THURSDAY APRIL 10: Wreath-laying and Commemoration, War Memorial, Blenheim, attended by veterans and senior politicians. Then onto the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre for the Knights of the Sky exhibition and WWI vehicle and aircraft display with Sir Peter Jackson. Meeting with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Wellington and State Reception given by Governor General at Government House. Prince William to give first speech of the tour and unveil a portrait of The Queen.
FRIDAY APRIL 11: William and Kate fly to Auckland for a visit to the RNZAF at Whenaupai, home to more than a thousand service personnel. The couple will also celebrate New Zealand’s Americas Cup winning teams by joining a yacht race on ‘his and hers’ boats before boarding a ‘Sealegs’ amphibious craft in the harbour and travel to Westpark Marina before returning home to George.
SATURDAY APRIL 12: The Duke and Duchess travel to the Waikato region of the North Island where William will visit the Pacific Aerospace company at Hamilton Airport, viewing the P-750 aircraft. Kate will attend the Rainbow Place children’s hospice.
The couple will then travel together to the town of Cambridge to pay their respects at their war memorial and then onto the new national velodrome, the Avantidrome, to meet the country’s recent Olympic medallists. They will start a number of races and view a BMX display.
SUNDAY APRIL 13: The couple’s first night away from George on a trip to Dunedin. William and Kate will be greeted by representatives of the Ngai Tahu tribe of the South Island before attending a Pal Sunday Service at the Cathedral Church of St Paul.
The Cambridges will then travel to the city’s famed rugby stadium for a festival of Rippa – non contact – Rugby with local youngsters and All Blacks stars.
Amisfield vineyard was established in 1988 and produces Pinot Noir and white wines
They will then fly to Queenstown to visit the Amisfield vineyard to sample local wines and food before experiencing a 50mph white water rafting expedition through the canyons of the Shotover River. The couple will stay overnight at a local hotel.
MONDAY APRIL 14: The couple fly to Christchurch to pay tribute to the 185 lives lost in the 2011 earthquake. They will be greeted with a Ngai Tahu welcome and then tour the central business district, which was worst hit by the catastrophe.
They will also attend an event to celebrate the coming of the 2015 Cricket World Cup to the region and then travel to the Wigram Air Force Museum to view the city’s rebuilding plans and attend a chamber of commerce business lunch. Before they leave, William and Kate will view the Memorial Wall dedicated to those in the air force who have died in service of their country.
TUESDAY APRIL 15: William, Kate and George will spend the day together privately ahead of the Australian leg of their trip.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 16: The couple will visit the Royal New Zealand Police College outside Wellington, opened by Prince Charles 30 years ago, where they will acknowledge the sacrifice of the 29 officers killed in service. They will view several demonstrations including dog handling.
William and Kate will then sign a visitors book back in Wellington and say farewell to members of the public before embarking with George on the three hour flight to Australia.
The Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park promotes and displays livestock, rural merchandise and produce
Arriving in Sydney they will head straight to the Sydney Opera House for a reception thrown by the Governor and Premier of New South Wales. William is expected to give a short speech to mark the start of the visit. The couple will then travel by boat across Sydney Harbour to Admiralty House, the residence of the Governor-General, which will be the base for their stay.
THURSDAY APRIL 17: Visit to the Blue Mountains to meet families affected by the recent bushfires.
FRIDAY APRIL 18: Good Friday and a visit to the Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park which celebrates the country’s culture and rural traditions. The couple will then travel to Manly to visit the Bear Cottage children’s hospice and then onto Manly Beach for a display by surf live-saving volunteers.
SATURDAY APRIL 19: A visit to the Royal Australian Air Force at Amberley where they will inspect the Guard and view aircraft and their crews. They will also plant a tree in the Memorial Garden before attending a reception for personnel and their families. They will then travel into Brisbane to attend a reception hosted by the Governor and Premier of Queensland for local young people.
SUNDAY APRIL 20: Easter Sunday service at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney where they will sign the First Fleet Bible, used in the first Christian service held in Australia in 1788.
The couple – and possibly Prince George – will then visit Taronga Zoo including the Bilby Enclosure named after their son. They will also view kangaroos, koala, giraffe and birds of prey. They will then fly onto Canberra, their base for the rest of the tour.
MONDAY APRIL 21: Easter Monday and a private day for the family.
TUESDAY APRIL 22: William and Kate visit Uluru – Ayer’s Rock – their second night away from George. They will meet Aboriginals at the National Indigenous Training Academy and enjoy a ‘welcome to country’ ceremony at the Uluru Cultural Centre before attending afternoon tea with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. Later in the day they will visit the rock itself in the company of a local guide and will remain overnight in the area.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory
WEDNESDAY APRIL 23: The couple fly to Adelaide in South Australia to visit the suburb of Elizabeth, named after the Queen.
They will tour a music studio for young people and watch a skate-boarding display. Later there will be a reception hosted by the Governor and Premier of South Australia.
THURSDAY APRIL 24: A visit to the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra and then onto Parliament House for a reception hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
In the afternoon William and Kate will plant a tree at the new National Arboretum and meet local children before their final reception of the day at Government House.
FRIDAY APRIL 25: The Duke and Duchess will attend the annual ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service to mark the loss of all those who have died in conflict. They will then plant a tree in the Memorial Garden, planting a seed from a lone pine taken from the site of the Gallipoli Battle. The family – including George and his nanny - will then depart for London.
Read more:
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2598337/Duke-Duchess-Cambridge-begin-New-Zealand-Australia-tour-Prince-George.html#ixzz2yBQNTZsv
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook