Prince William and Kate Middleton headed out for their second engagement in Blenheim, New Zealand on Thursday morning, as part of their three-week tour of the country and neighbouring Australia.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had, earlier in the day, taken part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the town's war memorial to commemorate the victims of the First World War and other conflicts.
© Photo: Getty ImagesShortly after noon, William, 31, and Kate, 32, travelled to the next stop on their itinerary — the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre nearby, where they were scheduled to view an aircraft exhibition and flight display.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAs the royal couple arrived at the Knights of the Sky exhibition by Sir Peter Jackson, they were greeted by the Lord of the Rings director himself who had the honour of showing their Royal Highnesses around.
Kate, who looked picture perfect in a cornflower blue Alexander McQueen coat dress, waved to the crowds as she got out of the car alongside William. The couple chatted with Sir Peter outside the museum and while eight-month-old Prince George did not attend the event, the royal tot was clearly a topic of conversation.
William and Kate are said to have been presented with a specially designed small vintage helmet for their firstborn, which featured a little possum design and leather lining, and added to the large collection of gifts that George had already been given from previous engagements.
Who's who in William and Kate's entourage
William, who was formerly an RAF search and rescue pilot at Anglesey, looked particularly thrilled to view the outstanding display of World War One aircraft. The Duke happily talked and inspected the aircraft while Kate seemed just as intrigued as she soaked in the museum's highlights. Once outside, the couple viewed a static display of aircraft and vehicles from the Great War. William grabbed the opportunity to climb into one of the planes as Kate proudly watched on.
The couple's exit from the museum made for quite a dramatic picture, as the heavens opened and rain poured down. William and Kate were shielded with large, black umbrellas as they finished off their tour.
© Photo: Getty ImagesTheir Royal Highnesses stayed at the aviation centre for about an hour before they headed back to catch their flight to Wellington. The Duke and Duchess will no doubt have wanted to check on Prince George who had been left in the care of his nanny at the government house.
Later on Thursday afternoon, the couple will meet the prime minister and leader of the opposition, and then attend a state reception at Government House.
William is scheduled to deliver a short speech before unveiling a portrait of his grandmother The Queen.
