William was thrilled when he saw three-and-a-half-year-old twins Ellijah and Tobee Dyer holding out a boomerang as he and Kate approached.
The future king accepted the gift, only to be told: “It’s not for you! It’s for the princess to give to George!”
Fortunately, William saw the funny side and handed the boomerang to Kate saying: “They want you to have it, not me.”
“Thank you very much,” Kate told the tiny twins.
The twins’ father, Leading Aircraftman Robert Dyer, told AAP the gift was intended for the near nine-month-old to play with when he’s “a bit older”.
“Nice and pretty,” was young Ellijah’s verdict of Kate, who earlier had planted a native eucalyptus shrub – the Plunkett Mallee – with her husband Prince William at the base’s memorial garden.
Kate planting a tree in the memorial garden.
A plaque to mark the occasion read: “This Tree of Remembrance was planted by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in honour of the service and sacrifice freely given by the Men and Women of the Royal Australian Air Force. 19 April 2014.”
The royal couple solemnly bowed their heads while a prayer was read out and four Super Hornet jets flew over in formation.
Dozens of Air Force personnel and families watched on while Kate was presented with a bouquet of native flowers by nine-year-old Ashleigh Kearnan, the daughter of Flight Lieutenant Charlie Kearnan.
William and Kate bowed their heads in prayer.
Kate accepting flowers from nine-year-old Ashleigh Kearnan.
After bending to take the flowers and chat with the youngster, the duchess introduced herself to proud parents Charlie and Kerri and the couple’s two sons.
“She talked to Kerri about the two boys. I think that showed a real human touch,” Flight Lieutenant Kearnan said.
The royal couple chatted to onlookers before they were then taken to meet bereaved service family members at a special reception before heading to Brisbane for a civic reception hosted by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Governor Penelope Wensley.
