If it was only a fortuitous nod to the bright Australian sunshine, it was certainly a well-planned nod to the Australian national colours as the Duchess of Cambridge made an unmissable arrival at Sydney airport wearing vivid yellow.
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Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, Governor of NSW Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie and Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Margie Abbott all greeted the Duke and Duchess and Prince George as they made their way onto the tarmac for the start of the Australian leg of their first official tour as a family.
Wearing a yellow and white panelled Roksanda Ilincic dress, the Duchess made her second national arrival on the tour - after her touch-down in Wellington nine days ago - in bold, confident style, with blue skies making a welcome change to a trip thus far characterised by wet weather. The laid-back welcome all went, as royal plans tend to do, like clockwork, save for one highly notable last-minute glitch on the part of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s local hosts.
Premier Barry O’Farrell did not take his place in the greeting party after his shock resignation on Wednesday morning.
The astonishing announcement on the back of ICAC proceedings threw an unexpected twist into the minutely choreographed royal schedule - the Premier was due to be hosting a welcome reception for Their Royal Highnesses at the Sydney Opera House later this afternoon.
Prince George, nine months old and called a “bruiser” by one New Zealnder onlooker last week, behaved throughout the formalities.
After shaking hands with the welcome committee, the Duchess passed the baby to the Duke, leaving Catherine free to focus on flower girl Joscleyn Sweeney, 22, from Vincentia, who presented her with a bouquet of native flowers.
Ms Sweeney said the Duchess, who asked her about where she lives, was "so nice". Joscelyn, who has Down Syndrome, is visiting Sydney with her father Todd and younger sister, Monica and was chosen for the honour after her mother wrote to Kensington Palace detailing the positive effect the royal couple have had on Joscelyn's life.
Making the most of her moment with the family, Joscelyn presented "cute" Prince George with a copy of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: My First Book.
"What better than a very Australian book?" said her father, Todd.
The couple have headed to the Sydney Opera House, where they will be given a tour of the Jorn Utzon-designed landmark before a welcome reception hosted by the Governor and, though now in doubt, the Premier.
In all 400 guests are expected at the reception, including cricketers Glenn McGrath and Ellyse Perry.
Source: smh.com.au