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Prince William and Kate Middleton unveil portrait of Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have unveiled a portrait of the Queen at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand.
Prince William and Kate Middleton unveil potrait of Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have unveiled a portrait of the Queen at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand.

Kate looked absolutely stunning in a custom-made Jenny Packham black cocktail frock with hand-stitched beading in the shape of a silver fern, while William wore a classic suit.

The royal couple seemed momentarily lost for words when they pulled the curtain from the portrait – painted by Wellington artist Nick Cuthell – which has received mixed reviews from critics.

William gave a short speech at the event, talking about how much he, Kate and George were enjoying New Zealand.

“I hope George hasn’t been keeping you up,” William joked to Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, whose residence the royal family have been staying at. “He’s at his most vocal at 3am, as you may have noticed.

“I swear I caught him doing The Haka this morning.”

Earlier today, William and Kate visited the town of Blenheim on the South Island to attend a war remembrance event. William then had an audience with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge unveiled this portrait of the Queen, which has been met with mixed reviews.

Kate’s bespoke Jenny Packham dress had the New Zealand silver fern hand-beaded onto one shoulder.

Kate accessorised her frock with one of the Queen’s diamond bracelets.

After having her hair in a ponytail all day, Kate returned to her trademark tousled waves for the evening reception.

Earlier in the evening, William met with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

William and Kate spent the day in Blenheim, on the South Island, where the Duchess couldn’t resist cooing at every baby she came across.

Kate wore a pair of earrings once owned by her late mother-in-law Princess Diana. The earrings match her famous engagement ring.

Kate stopped to chat to every child she came across, winning many little fans.

Kate looked positively radiant at the event.

Kate chose a powder blue Alexander McQueen coat to combat the chilly weather.

William and Kate seemed in excellent spirits on their child-free day.

William had a ball sitting in this antique fighter plane.

Kate took time to chat to the war veterans who gathered at the remembrance ceremony.

Kate showed great compassion hearing war tales from veterans.

Kate wore her hair up, instead of in its trademark loose waves.

William was popular with the crowd, but it was Kate they came to see.

More than 5000 people turned out to welcome the royal couple, many bringing flowers to present to the Duchess.

William and Kate arriving in Blenheim.

A cuddle for mummy: George gave Kate a huge hug at his first official public engagement on Wednesday.

George stroking his mum’s hair.

George and Kate exchanging kissy faces.

Kate staring at her little prince.

George eating his mum’s hair.

Kate was obviously besotted with her little boy.

Embarrassing moment: George snatched a toy from this little girl before throwing it to the floor.

Kate smiled apologetically, picked up the toy and handed it back to the little girl.

George didn’t seem too tired after his long flight from the UK.

George will arrive in Australia next week.

George played with 10 other babies born at the same time as him.

George was presented with a large blue bear.

George gravitated towards any toys that made noise.

George behaved himself throughout his 30-minute playdate, crying out only once.

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