Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton put smiles on many faces on Saturday morning as she visited the Rainbow Place Children’s Hospice in Waikato's Hamilton region.The 32-year-old met youngsters, their families and nursing staff at a play therapy session as part of the royal tour in New Zealand, which began 7 April with husband the Duke of Cambridge plus their son Prince George and a hefty entourage.
Duchess Catherine as she stepped off the plane
After being greeted by Mayor Julie Hardaker at Hamilton Airport that day and later crowds outside the venue among sunshine ans showers, the brunette bonded with kids who are experiencing grief, serious illness or the death of a loved one for a Mad Hatter's tea party held inside a giant teepee. There guest were met by characters in the likeness of Alice in Wonderland.
As well as coming face-to-face with key roles from the fictional tale, such as the White Rabbit and Alice, the Duchess was surrounded by fun children’s treats such as jellied eyeballs, huhu grubs, flower pots of sweet chocolate mud and chicken pops.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe stylish brunette wore a jade green Erdem coat with black heeled shoes and a clutch bag to meet youngsters such as six-year-old Kaiya Miller. She wore her tresses down for the occasion and fashioned a Suzannah dress.
Kate told members of the crowd later on that William wasn't the biggest fan of her outfit that day. Bev Hayes, 68, said about Kate:"I complemented her on her green dress. She said she liked it but William thought it was a bit bright."
© Photo: Getty ImagesIt was her first official engagement without her spouse since they started their overseas trip. The British royals have spent time away from their eight-month-old boy though to experience a boat race and World War I aircraft.
Following her visit, Catherine met up with William who had been on a tour of the Pacific Aerospace. The royal couple headed to their namesake Cambridge – the first royal couple to do so – in order to pay their respects at the town's war memorial.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThey enjoyed a 15-minute lunch with locals after meeting dignitaries, with a 15,000-strong crowd - in the town with a population of 18,000 - waiting outside in the temperamental weather.
Afterwards they enjoyed a sporting event at the Avantidrome in Hamilton.
© Photo: Getty Images
