For their second official engagement in Australia, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton, headed to the Blue Mountains to meet with families affected by the bushfires which swept through the area in October last year.The royal couple displayed their kind and caring side as they listened to the victims' accounts - even spending ten minutes talking to one family - and offered their sympathies for those who lost their homes just six months ago.
© Photo: PAJoan Joyce, who lost her home, says the visit is a nice distraction. "I think it's a sign of appreciation too, I suppose. We've been through a lot and this will sort of brighten us up a little bit," she said ahead of the visit.
They also met with fire service personnel who had been directly involved with the devastating bushfires.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFor the event, Kate looked lovely in a navy and white geometric print dress by American designer Diane Von Furstenberg. She paired the cotton wrap number with her trusty cork and navy suede Stuart Weitzman wedges.
© Photo: PAShortly after, they headed to Winmalee Girl Guides Hall for lunch, which included a 'sausage sizzle', a common Australian community event where barbecued sausages in bread rolls are served.The royals posed for a photo with the group of Girl Guides, who all shouted 'Princess!' instead of 'cheese!'.Kate, William and baby George were given a rockstar-like welcome when they arrived in Australia a day earlier for the first time as a family.
© Photo: PAThey were greeted to cheers as they stepped off the plane. Heading to an official reception to welcome them to Australia, thousands of well-wishers lined the Sydney Harbour foreshore, waiting for a glimpse of the royal couple.
Kate looked as flawless as ever in a yellow Roksanda Ilincic dress with white panels, although she confided in one onlooker: "William said I look like a banana!"
