Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton, visited the Royal New Zealand Police College Porirua, near Wellington on Wednesday.
The Duke and wife Catherine met recruits who demonstrated training techniques and paid their respects to those 29 officers killed on duty. Onlookers watched as the royal couple visited the wall of remembrance and parade ground that morning after police had previously been seen lining up waiting for their arrival.
They signed a special book and current recruits met the Duke over 30 years after his father Prince Charles' visit when he opened the centre.
The Duchess donned a formal blue 'Sparkle Tweed' two-piece blazer and skirt ensemble by New Zealand designer Rebecca Taylor in the rain but was sheltered by large umbrellas. A fan of recycling outfits, she had previously worn the suit in April 2012 at a reception for the Scott Amundsen Centenary Race in London.
Kate donned half of her brunette hair up and curled at the bottom, wearing navy suede Alexander McQueen pumps on her feet.
They were greeted by the Kapa Haka group from the police force before viewing demonstrations and meeting specially trained dogs. William and Kate had also laid a wreath for the fallen in a moving waiata song after the Maoiri culture welcome which included a Mihi and Karakia greeting and prayer. The duo cuddled the tiny puppies of dog Gucci, relentlessly stroking the adorable pooches until it was time to move on. The baby police dogs are to get royal names in homour of the visit.
The royal pair wished a young girl happy birthday and man happy returns as she presented them with flowers and was thanked for the gesture. On the way Kate accepted a gift of a soft toy dog for Prince George, who was not present on the trip. He was also given a bright blue T-shirt in the style of a police uniform, with checked design detail. They were seen out with a performance of song as they continued on their tour for the day.
It came after William and Kate enjoyed a day off Down Under with their son. The family and their entourage headed straight on to a short walk through the Civic Centre in Wellington City Centre, to round off their trip of the country by greeting crowds.
There they signed the city’s visitors’ books and accepted more treats from adoring fans, including a buzzy bee toy similar to the one William played with in 1981.
© Photo: RexBefore heading to Wellington Airport to jet off to Australia. The British royals are due to depart from the military terminal on board a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft and will be seen with their son for the first time since his playdate a week ago.
