When he’s in his parents’ arms, the third in line to the throne marches his legs up and down in the air desperate to be on terra firma making his own way in the rather bizarre royal world he finds himself.
Once on the ground little George is a little unsure, wobbling and lurching forwards as he reaches for everything in his path and once he’s grabbed something, won’t let it go. But those of us looking on at the Prince’s star performance at Taronga Zoo yesterday when the Prince met a bilby renamed George in his honour, were left in no doubt that the the royal baby’s first steps unaided are likely to happen any day now.
He’s also proving quite vocal, obviously desperate to make himself understood and join in the conversation. When George is excited he squeals and waves his arms; when he’s happy he gurgles and chuckles. Prince William suggested that his first word could be “bilby” and if his jubilation and interest in his namesake marsupial is anything to go by, the Prince could well be right.
Today the Cambridges have a day off in Canberra where they can kick back and relax as a family. Tomorrow the Duke and Duchess will spend their first and only night in Australia away from their son who will remain with his nanny 43-year-old Spaniard Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo at Yarralumla Government House while his parents fly to Uluru.
With Mum and Dad away, curious baby George can enjoy some more close encounters with Australia’s native creatures, meeting the kangaroos that hop around wild in the grounds of the Governor-General’s Canberra home….some 42 at last count, I believe.
Meanwhile at Uluru, the Duke and Duchess will stay in one of the most luxurious and romantic campsites in the world – Longitude 131 – for a memorable experience in the shadow of our national icon and the spiritual heart of Australia.
