William, Catherine and George to visit Australia and New Zealand in April
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I hear it is a beautiful country to visit. It is on my bucket list... have to fly everywhere though so need to spend at least a month there.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to visit Australia and New Zealand in April, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
It is not yet known for definite whether Prince George will also be going on the trip, although it is thought to be highly likely.
If the young prince and future king of both Australia and New Zealand does go, it would mean he will be going on his first official overseas tour at the age of just eight months.
His father, Prince William, was about nine months' old when he went on his first official overseas tour when his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, took him to Australia in March 1983.
It will be Catherine's first official visit to either country.
It said in a statement, Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit New Zealand and Australia in April 2014.
"Their royal highnesses have been invited to visit by the New Zealand and Australian governments. Further details on the exact dates and itinerary will be issued in due course."
William and Kate line up New Zealand and Australia trip
BBC News
20 December 2013
The 2011 visit to Canada was the first official overseas visit for the duke and duchess
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to visit New Zealand and Australia next April, Kensington Palace has said.
It is thought likely their baby son, Prince George, will also accompany them but a final decision will be made nearer the time.
If he attends, Prince George will be eight months old and on his first official overseas tour.
Prince William has made a number of official trips to Australia and New Zealand in the past.
While the duchess is yet to pay an official visit to either country, she and her husband were in the media spotlight when they flew to Brisbane airport to catch a flight home at the end of their South Pacific tour in September 2012.
Their visit in April will echo the Prince and Princess of Wales's visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1983 when the couple took William, then aged nine months old, with them.
Kensington Palace confirmed the visit but released no further details about the itinerary or how long it would last.
It said in a statement: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit New Zealand and Australia in April 2014.
"Their royal highnesses have been invited to visit by the New Zealand and Australian governments. Further details on the exact dates and itinerary will be issued in due course."
Prince William's last official trip to New Zealand and Australia took place in March 2011, when he was in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, shortly after it suffered an earthquake, and in the Australian states of Queensland and Victoria, which had been hit by floods.
Prince George will be eight months old if he accompanies his parents on the visit
In January 2010 he represented the Queen at the opening of the Supreme Court building in the New Zealand capital Wellington and also visited Auckland, and during the same trip travelled to Melbourne and Sydney.
The duke and duchess made their first overseas visit together shortly after their marriage when they were in Canada and the US in July 2011.
Their only other trip abroad was the nine-day visit in September 2012, which saw them in South East Asia and the South Pacific as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
BBC News - William and Kate line up New Zealand and Australia trip
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George have arrived in New Zealand to start their three week tour Down Under.
Arriving in a wet and soggy Wellington, the capital, at the start of the New Zealand winter Catherine looked resplendent in a pillar-box red coat by Catherine Walker, a British designer favoured by her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales. In fact, the outfit almost exactly matches that worn by Diana during a similar royal tour 30 years ago.
She was also wearing a diamond and platinum silver fern brooch, on loan from the Queen.
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.
Prince George, the future King of New Zealand, 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 little prince was also wearing a pair of ivory leather pre-walker shoes by Early Days costing £27.
William, another future New Zealand king, was wearing a suit and tie.
After disembarking in Wellington from a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane that carried them from Sydney, the Duke and Duchess were greeted by New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key and 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.
The Duchess later went for a stroll around the gardens with the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Materparae
Despite strong republican movements in both New Zealand and Australia, 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.
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.
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
By Rebecca English Royal Correspondent In Wellington
7 April 2014
Daily Mail
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.
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. New Zealanders will be eager to catch a glimpse of the second and third in line to their throne
Royal wave: William waved as he led his family down the aeroplane stairs after their arrival in the New Zealand capital was delayed by bad weather
Reminiscent: Kate's red outfit for the New Zealand tour echoed the simple elegance of Diana on a similar royal tour in 1984
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 little prince was also wearing a pair of ivory leather pre-walker shoes by Early Days costing £27.
The outfit was a modern version of the mocked 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.
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.
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
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)
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
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. The dance is also performed by the New Zealand All Blacks rugby union team before the start of their matches
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
Arriving in a wet and soggy Wellington, the capital, at the start of the New Zealand winter Catherine looked resplendent in a pillar-box red coat by Catherine Walker, a British designer favoured by her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales. In fact, the outfit almost exactly matches that worn by Diana during a similar royal tour 30 years ago.
She was also wearing a diamond and platinum silver fern brooch, on loan from the Queen.
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.
Prince George, the future King of New Zealand, 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 little prince was also wearing a pair of ivory leather pre-walker shoes by Early Days costing £27.
William, another future New Zealand king, was wearing a suit and tie.
After disembarking in Wellington from a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane that carried them from Sydney, the Duke and Duchess were greeted by New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key and 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.
The Duchess later went for a stroll around the gardens with the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Materparae
Despite strong republican movements in both New Zealand and Australia, 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.
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.
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
By Rebecca English Royal Correspondent In Wellington
7 April 2014
Daily Mail
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.
Reminiscent: Kate's red outfit for the New Zealand tour echoed the simple elegance of Diana on a similar royal tour in 1984
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 little prince was also wearing a pair of ivory leather pre-walker shoes by Early Days costing £27.
The outfit was a modern version of the mocked 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
‘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. The dance is also performed by the New Zealand All Blacks rugby union team before the start of their matches
Military honour: Prince William was welcomed by a guard of military officials
Read more: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge begin New Zealand and Australia tour with Prince George | Mail Online
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It's nice they are taking a trip..............don't think we need every detail like when George gets his nappies changed!
I suppose.................................for one with a one track mind and a single brain cell!
Come off it. I wasn't born yesterday. Americans are obsessed with the British and Canadian Royal Family.
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Prince George undertook his first royal crawl-about today as he attended a parent and baby group with his own, world-famous, mummy and daddy.
The eight-month-old was brought along by his clearly proud parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to the ‘playdate’ organised by The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society at Government House in Wellington.
Following his scene-stealing appearance on Monday when the family arrived in New Zealand to begin their three week tour Down Under, all eyes were on the future king as he was introduced to ten babies born within a few weeks of his own birthday, on July 22 last year.
Fortunately George, whose first two bottom teeth recently popped through, conducted his debut public engagement with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Crawling around on the plush blue patterned carpet of the Blandor Room, which was littered with toys including building bricks and a xylophone, George was one of the biggest babies there - 'quite a bruiser' one onlooker remarked.
Dressed in blue Rachel Riley dungaree shorts with a ship on the front, a white blouse and soft blue pre walking shoes, he had no fear in pulling himself up towards the other children - and stealing their toys.
Kate looked her usually elegant self in a black and white print Tory Burch dress with a fringe detail at the sleeves and hem.
She watched on protectively, occasionally wiping some dribble from his chin, as William chatted to some of the other parents.
'It's madness, there are babies everywhere!' he exclaimed.
Dad Ryan Tunstall said: 'Isabella and George had a lot of fun on the drums.
'It was a pleasure sharing our beautiful baby with the duke and duchess. The whole thing was a wonderful highlight.'
Grant Collins, 38, and Magda Gurbowicz, 35 met the royals with baby Lucas.
Grant said: 'We found out Lucas had more teeth than George so he's winning that race!
'George has got about four or five teeth coming through. Lucas has got his seventh coming on.
'We chatted to the Duke first and asked about how they and George coped with the jet-lag.'
Play-date or one's first official royal engagement? Little Prince George shows off his crawling skills at New Zealand playgroup
Prince George attends playgroup with ten lucky babies at Government House today
Send your pictures of the Royal Tour to australiaroyal@mailonline.com
Six girls and four boys born within weeks of the young royal's July 22 birthday were selected to attend
A gay couple and single mother are among the families chosen to reflect the diversity of New Zealand society
Participants, who come from a range of ethnic backgrounds, share parenting stories with the Duke and Duchess
The royal family arrived in Wellington on Monday for their three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand
By Rebecca English Royal Correspondent In Wellington
9 April 2014
Daily Mail
Prince George undertook his first royal crawl-about today as he attended a parent and baby group with his own, world-famous, mummy and daddy.
The eight-month-old was brought along by his clearly proud parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to the ‘playdate’ organised by The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society at Government House in Wellington.
Following his scene-stealing appearance on Monday when the family arrived in New Zealand to begin their three week tour Down Under, all eyes were on the future king as he was introduced to ten babies born within a few weeks of his own birthday, on July 22 last year.
It was the first time that the third in line to the throne had undertaken a public duty – of sorts. But it clearly won’t be the first, in what will be a lifetime of royal service.
The gorgeous eight-month-old appeared very taken with one particular toy, holding it in the air and giggling as he played on the floor of the stately home
Fortunately George, whose first two bottom teeth recently popped through, conducted his debut public engagement with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Crawling around on the plush blue patterned carpet of the Blandor Room, which was littered with toys including building bricks and a xylophone, George was one of the biggest babies there - 'quite a bruiser' one onlooker remarked.
Dressed in blue Rachel Riley dungaree shorts with a ship on the front, a white blouse and soft blue pre walking shoes, he had no fear in pulling himself up towards the other children - and stealing their toys.
Kate looked her usually elegant self in a black and white print Tory Burch dress with a fringe detail at the sleeves and hem.
She watched on protectively, occasionally wiping some dribble from his chin, as William chatted to some of the other parents.
'It's madness, there are babies everywhere!' he exclaimed.
At one point the Duchess pulled her son to his feet and helped him bounce up and down - showing that the prince probably isn't far off 'cruising' yet.
Kate, with George still in her arms, talked to Ingrid, 29, and David, 28, with baby Eden.
George was getting restless, kicking his legs against his mum, so she put him down on the floor to allow him to crawl.
The little prince set off at quite a pace, across the NZ fern-patterned carpet of the Blundell room.
He was stopped in his tracks by baby Amelia Howe who grabbed a plastic block from him.
Baby Amelia started yelling at this royal encounter as her mother, Stephanie van Heuven, apologised to Kate for the bawling - but George crawled serenely on.
He then got hold of a blue plastic block which he put in his mouth.
Baby Sophie Bainbridge crawled past Kate completely oblivious to the royal visitor.
Kate said 'Hello' but Sophie ignored her and kept in crawling.
George then picked up a purple tambourine and started shaking it-gurgling with delight at the noise.
Baby Eden, dressed in floral dress and headband, got in George's way and he reached out to stroke her face.
Then he reached out a little bit too far and hit Eden in the face with a flailing arm. She lost her headband in the mellee but seemed unperturbed.
Kate then picked up George.
A multi-coloured toy caught George's attention but he didn't seem too pleased when he eventually got a hold of it
THE 'GEORGE EFFECT': THE FASHION SENSE OF BRITAIN'S YOUNG PRINCE
For his first official engagement, George looked very cute in navy smocked dungarees from British label Rachel Riley.
The dungarees, which Prince George wore over a white shirt and blue booties, featured a sail boat design on the front and retail for £77 (AUD$125).
The little prince has already caused fashion sensations during the Royal Tour. The kangaroo backpack, which Prince William was seen holding when his plane touched down in Sydney, sold out within hours of the family's appearance at Sydney airport.
Dad Ryan Tunstall said: 'Isabella and George had a lot of fun on the drums.
'It was a pleasure sharing our beautiful baby with the duke and duchess. The whole thing was a wonderful highlight.'
Grant Collins, 38, and Magda Gurbowicz, 35 met the royals with baby Lucas.
Grant said: 'We found out Lucas had more teeth than George so he's winning that race!
'George has got about four or five teeth coming through. Lucas has got his seventh coming on.
'We chatted to the Duke first and asked about how they and George coped with the jet-lag.
'William said sleeping and distracting (the baby) was the best thing to get over jet-lag and that's what they'd done with George.
We spoke to the Duchess about group play - George had never played with so many babies before.
'She said it was the most amount of babies they'd ever had in a room with George.
'He does see other babies, but not many in a group like this.
'George is bubbly, quite feisty and he took control. He crawled to the centre of the room and he owned the place.
The young prince looked a tad bemused as he inspected his toy while one of his playmates gazed with equal perplexity at hers, he then lifted his toy as the girl attempted to put hers in her mouth
Young George didn't seem too interested in one of the young girls, that is until she reached out to touch his face
'He honed in on certain toys and took the ones that he wanted, no-one was going to stand in his way!'
Gay parents Jared Mullen and Ryan McRae, who have baby Isabella, spoke about their experience afterwards.
Mr Mullen said: 'Isabella and George had a little play together, they were chums.
'In a way all we did was talk about babies. The Duke and Duchess were lovely, they were both very relaxed and we chatted about our experiences as first time parents.
'He (George) is a lovely little boy, very intrepid.
'The whole thing has been a huge privilege. It was lovely to meet the Duke and Duchess and share our beautiful children with them. They are both very lovely and loving parents.
'George liked the drum and the standing up play station.
'At the end of the day it comes back to the fact that we are first time parents.'
Mr McRae added: 'It was such a big day.'
Grant Collins added: 'The Duchess said George was sleeping well through the night and that he's on solid food now so that has really helped his sleeping.'
Sheila and Soani Lemalie met the royals with baby TJ (TagiiLima).
Sheila, who works in childcare, looked lovely - and very patriotic - in a traditional blue Samoan dress, with white flowers and red necklace.
She said: 'It was a very special time. We had a chance to cuddle George - he is very strong and very advanced.
'We talked to the Duke and Duchess about parenting - and to the Duchess about her role as both a mother and a royal.
'She said she was lucky to have help with George from her family and her friends. She is very down-to-earth and charming - they both are.
'Prince William said he supported his wife by giving George his bottle at night and putting him to bed.
'I was very nervous because this was my first time experience meeting royalty.
While the Duchess was very hands on with her young son, George's nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo (L) was also keeping an eye on the young prince
'I feel very special.
'Different children develop differently but George is very advanced for his age.
'He was crawling and wanting to walk in an advanced way - more so than my son who is younger than him.'George is almost trying to walk - he can pull himself up and he is almost there. He will be crawling soon.'
All of the babies present were from local families and chosen by the organisation, which provides health care and support to new families, known in New Zealand simply as Plunket.
The idea was to give the William and Kate the opportunity to introduce George to the world in a less formal way than usual and give the couple a chance to swap anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of being first-time parents.
Kate Bainbridge, 29, a tax accountant whose daughter Sophie was born on July 11, said in advance of the meeting: ‘I’ve had a few jealous looks from other parents when they found out we were meeting the Duke and Duchess.
'Even though we come from a very different background we have got a lot in common with the Duke and Duchess because we’ve been through the sleepless nights and we can talk to them about our experiences.
‘We are all first-time parents, like them, so it should be quite easy to chat to them.’
Read more: Prince George shows off new skills at New Zealand playgroup | Mail Online
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No, Marie Antoinette got hauled off to the guilotine. Don't recall what happened to Louis XVI.
Out here in the colonies we don't engage in too much class distinction because mainly it's a bunch of bull sh*t. It's been less than a 1/4 century since we had a P.M. who was a thief!
P.S. Louis met the same fate earlier in the same year. Bet they were both wishing they had the option of an expense paid trip to Australia!
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