Prince George and his famous chubby cheeks made their latest public appearance Monday, after he and his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, touched down in New Zealand to begin a three-week tour there and of Australia.
A windy welcome greeted the royal family during a trip that raised memories of a 1983 visit that Prince William made to the region with his parents when he was the same age as his son.
The nearly nine-month-old Prince George behaved beautifully despite his 30-hour flight from London, reports NBC News' Sara James. The little prince, who is third in line to the British throne, playfully waved his fists as he was carried off the plane by his mom, who wore a red pillbox hat and Catherine Walker coat. The baby later stayed with his nanny while his parents met with government officials. Both Prince William and Duchess Kate received a traditional Maori welcome, including a “hongi” nose rub.
They also met with Maori warriors, including one whose cheeks got nearly as much attention as the baby prince, while talking with dancers who performed a traditional haka.
The couple will visit a dozen cities during their New Zealand and Australia tour, which will include a visit to Christchurch to pay respects to the victims of the 2011 earthquake there.
The widely-anticipated appearance of Prince George is only the first public showing since his baptism last October. Last week, his parents released a new family photograph ahead of their trip Down Under.
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