Blenheim, New Zealand: Blenheim resident Vicky King said locals could scarcely believe the couple had come to their town of about 30,000, which lies at the heart of the Marlborough wine-making region, with much of the population turning out to catch a glimpse of the royals.
"It's just so crazy that they came to Blenheim," she said after meeting Kate, describing it as a "surreal" experience.
"I was really nervous but she's a mum just like me... she was very easy to talk to."
Her son Alton, who at nine months is just a little older than baby Prince George, startled Kate with a loud sneeze as she leaned in to look at him.
"She said 'Oh my goodness' and giggled - I said he was sorry he had a cold. The official behind her thought it was really funny," she said, adding: "Alton will be known for sneezing on royalty!"
William and Kate then met director Peter Jackson at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which the Oscar-winning filmmaker has spent millions of dollars turning into a museum.
Their guide was a World War II Spitfire pilot - Harcourt "Bunty" Bunt, still sprightly at 93 - who regaled them with stories of the heroics behind some of the exhibits.
William, a qualified helicopter pilot who served in Britain's Royal Air Force, was particularly taken with a Sopwith Pup biplane and hopped into the cockpit for a closer look.
"It's perfect. Start her up," he joked.
After the royal couple returned to the capital, they attended a state reception at Government House, where William unveiled a portrait of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
The second-in-line to the throne apologized to Governor-General Jerry Mateparae about any night-time disturbances caused by baby George.
"He has been known to be particularly vocal at 3:00am, I swear I heard him doing the haka (Maori war dance) this morning," he said.
"He's a bonny lad and you'll be pleased to know he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward."
"It's just so crazy that they came to Blenheim," she said after meeting Kate, describing it as a "surreal" experience.
"I was really nervous but she's a mum just like me... she was very easy to talk to."
"She said 'Oh my goodness' and giggled - I said he was sorry he had a cold. The official behind her thought it was really funny," she said, adding: "Alton will be known for sneezing on royalty!"
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Their guide was a World War II Spitfire pilot - Harcourt "Bunty" Bunt, still sprightly at 93 - who regaled them with stories of the heroics behind some of the exhibits.
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"It's perfect. Start her up," he joked.
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The second-in-line to the throne apologized to Governor-General Jerry Mateparae about any night-time disturbances caused by baby George.
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"He's a bonny lad and you'll be pleased to know he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward."
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