The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge toured the iconic Australian landmark of Uluru on Tuesday, posing for photos that evoked memories of a similar visit to the site by Prince William’s parents in happier times.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited the landmark during a tour of Australia they took in 1983 with a then-infant Prince William. Three decades later, William and his wife toured the region as part of their three-week journey Down Under, also with their young son, 9-month-old Prince George.
On Tuesday, while the baby stayed back with his nanny, Prince William and Duchess Kate strolled along Kuniya Walk at the base of Ayers Rock, which is what the sacred Aboriginal site of Uluru is also called. Their walk took place after they met with hospitality and catering graduates of the National Indigenous Training Academy and presented them with certificates.
During the royals' visit to the school, an indigenous couple presented Prince William with a hunting spear.
"William was pleased, he was so thankful,” Sherelle Young told Britain’s Press Association. “I told him it was made from wood from the Mulga tree and that it had kangaroo vein used as twine on it. He was shocked.”
Kate also was presented with a hand-painted bracelet, which she put on immediately.
The royal couple are in the middle of their tour Down Under, which got started more than a week ago when they landed in New Zealand.