Perhaps it was the glorious Sydney sunshine, or the unfailing beauty of the Opera House bobbing on the harbour, but there was definitely a unique shimmer of stardust around the royal couple today.
Catherine came down the airplane steps at Kingsford Smith cradling baby Prince George who wore a traditional romper suit with smocking and Peter Pan collar that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Downton Abbey and will no doubt already be sold out. George like his mum is already a fashion force.
But unlike in New Zealand, where at the start of the visit it was all about gorgeous George, it was Catherine and William who dominated the limelight today.
Thousands were packed onto the Opera House Forecourt all desperate to catch a glimpse of the royal duo.
William and Kate with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynn.
George seemed delighted by this giant wombat toy.
When they arrived there was screaming and whoops of joy and while the public got their glimpse and a lucky few managed to speak to the couple as they embarked on a couple of short walkabouts on arrival and departure, many more wanted to a handshake and missed out.
I was in the press pen in the heart of the crowds and, like the public, would have liked the couple to have stayed a bit longer.
Nevertheless that magical something that compels us all to follow the royals and especially take this new young family to our hearts was very much in evidence. Prince William looked rather chuffed at the turn out, no doubt pleased to introduce this country which his family has enjoyed visiting so much to his wife and son. And Catherine was impeccable in poise, elegance and warmth.
In his speech at the reception for 400 that had taken place behind closed doors inside the Opera House, hosted by NSW Governor Marie Bashir, Prince William said: “Her Majesty spoke recently of how, since her first visit here sixty years ago, she has been privileged to witness Australia’s growing economy and flowering self-confidence. “For Catherine, Harry and me, born in the early 80s, we’ve never known anything else – Australia and Australians have always been for us a beacon of confidence, creativity in the arts and sporting ability.”
He added “We really look forward to our time here together as a family,” And joked “I suspect George’s first word might be ‘bilby’ – only because ‘koala’ is harder to say.”
It was an impressive start and one that will have certainly won the couple even more fans here in Australia. “I know that a truly unforgettable few days lie ahead,” William finished … And I think he’s probably right.
