When in Wellington...! Kate Middleton and Prince William started their three-week royal tour of New Zealand and Australia with a traditional and very festive welcome from some of the locals.
After landing at Wellington Airport on Monday, April 7, the couple headed to their first official engagement at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand. There, they were greeted by the Kaumatua, or elder, for the Governor General's Office, who explained to them the significance of the Powhiri, or Maori welcome.
The Duke, 31, was then issued a Maori challenge called a wero, which involved the New Zealand Defence Force Maori Cultural Group advancing toward him with spears while performing various battle cries and gestures. At the end of the challenge, Prince William accepted the rakau tapu (spear) as a symbol of friendship. Middleton was later heard telling one of the warrior that she thought the greeting was "super."
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The Duchess, 32 -- chic as always in a red Catherine Walker coat and matching Gina Foster hat -- followed suit, performing a hongi with the Governor General's wife, Lady Janine. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the Guard of Honour.
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The couple also met with the Kapa Haka Group from Rongotai College, and with a group of students from Clyde Quay School, Muritai School, Te Aro School, Tawhai School, and Petone Central School. Before leaving, they headed inside for a function with local mayors and government staff.
Prince George was not present for the Maori welcome, but he made his New Zealand debut earlier in the day, when he and his parents arrived at Wellington Airport.
Prince George stole the show at Wellington Airport when he and his parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, arrived in New Zealand for their royal tourCredit: Camera Press/Redux
Prince George Steals the Show on New Zealand
Tour With Kate Middleton, Prince William
Prince George stole the show at Wellington Airport when he and his parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, arrived in New Zealand for their royal tourCredit: Camera Press/Redux
Well, hello, your royal cuteness! Prince George is just one day into his first official royal tour with Kate Middleton and Prince William, but he's already the breakout star of the show. Arriving at New Zealand's Wellington Airport on Monday, April 7, the 8-month-old heir to the British throne was a wiggly bundle of charm and funny faces.
Prince George stole the show at Wellington Airport when he and his parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, arrived in New Zealand for their royal tour
Credit: Danny Martindale/WireImage
Credit: Danny Martindale/WireImage
Clad in an angelic cream-colored sweater, white shorts, and tiny shoes by Early Days, the little prince appeared fidgety but content as his mom, the Duchess of Cambridge, carried him out of the plane and descended the stairs to the runway. Her husband, the Duke, walked beside them, smiling.
Prince George stole the show at Wellington Airport when he and his parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, arrived in New Zealand for their royal tour
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
George -- who was last seen in public at his christening in October -- appeared at times to be reaching out to the waiting sea of photographers and dignitaries with his tiny dimpled hands. (The royal family was met at the airport by New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, the Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown, and Commander Richard Walker, aide-de-camp to the Governor General of New Zealand.)
He also showed off a variety of adorable expressions, including one "not impressed" smirk that has already sparked an Internet meme comparing him to Grumpy Cat.
Prince George stole the show at Wellington Airport when he and his parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, arrived in New Zealand for their royal tour
Credit: NEWSPIX INTERNATIONAL
Credit: NEWSPIX INTERNATIONAL
Following the family's arrival, the Duke, 31, and Duchess, 32, headed to the Government House for their first official engagement, a welcome ceremony with Maori warriors. Prince George was not present for the festivities -- but fortunately for everyone involved, there are plenty of other photo ops to come for the royal baby. The adorable tot and his parents are in New Zealand and Australia for the next three weeks.
