- .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
Their visit to Australia and New Zealand has been anticipated for months.
And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were given the warmest of welcomes as they headed straight to Government House in Wellington, New Zealand on Monday after landing in the country that morning.
The couple 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.
Eyes front, Kate! The Duchess chatted to several traditional Maori warriors as she and husband Prince William were officially welcomed at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand on Monday
Big smiles: Kate flashed her trademark smile at the Maori warrior who was also wearing traditional face paint
Meet and greet: Kate and William shook hands with several men and woman as they were greeted by the traditional Maori warriors
The traditional Māori 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, who wore a chic red ensemble, including a pillar-box red coat by Catherine Walker, was kept dry from the teeming rain by a woman holding an umbrella.
As the rain subsided, Kate and William were then treated to a Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry dance that was performed on the lawn.
Traditional welcome: The Duchess of Cambridge rubbed noses with a local dignitary as she and husband Prince William were officially welcomed at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand on Monday
The warmest of welcomes: Prince William also rubbed noses with the local dignitary as he arrived at Government House
Maori greeting: The Duchess looked on as her husband received a Hongi welcome from Maori Elder Hiria Hape
Earlier in the morning, the couple's young son Prince George made an assured appearance for his debut royal tour.
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.
WHAT IS A HONGI:
The Maori Powhiri Ceremonial Welcome is a traditional ceremony which is considered necessary for two groups to join as one.
The concept is about the sharing of a new experience between host and guests and the exchange of knowledge through singing, dancing, eating and speeches.
Customarily, a ‘wero’ is performed, involving the performance of threatening gestures and battle screams with ceremonial weapons.
A Hongi (pressing of the noses) also occurs to signify the joining of hosts and guests.
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.
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.
Military honour: Prince William was welcomed by a guard of military officials
Grateful guest: Meanwhile Kate was all smiles as she greeted a host of traditionally dressed men and women
The Queen's representative: The Duke and Duchess were greeted by New Zealand Governor General Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife Lady Janine
The next generation: Local school children braved the grim and rainy weather to meet the royal couple
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.
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.
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
Words of advice: Prince William also had a word to the school children who didn't seem at all fazed by the light rain
Disembarking 27 hours later in Australia, the Duchess looked elegant in a £310 (USD$514/ AUD$555) MaxMara 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 them 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.
Ta Moko tattoos: A young man led a host of traditionally dressed locals onto the lawn. His face was covered in Maori Ta Moko patterns and he held an engraved club
Traditional display: William and Kate were treated to a Haka, a traditional ancestral war cry dance that was performed on the lawn
Entranced: The duo watched on studiously
Learning local customs: Prince William bent down to pick up a dart from the damp grass
Thanks to the services of her onboard 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.
Eager members of the public are to be given no less than six glimpses of the tiny future king 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.
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.
Lush surroundings: They watched the dance on the soggy green lawn of the stately home
Chatty: The Duchess later went for a stroll around the gardens with the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Materparae
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.’
Explanations: The two dignitaries talked the young Royals through the dance
Wearing her best: They were also joined by his wife Lady Janine
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 MailOnline 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.
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.
Royal Salute: Prince William also took a Royal Salute as he watched by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Materparae
Perfect setting: Government House provided a stately backdrop for the Maori dancers and military personnel line up
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….’
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
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 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.
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 Ayers 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.
Billowing: Battling the wild weather, Kate looked composed as her skirt billowed and lifted in the strong wind
Flawless: The 32-year-old looked radiant in her designer ensemble as she held the adorable young prince in her arms
'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.
‘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.
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
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.
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.
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