Keeping busy! Kate Middleton and Prince William continued their tour in Australia by visiting the Royal Australian Air Force Amberley Base in Queensland on Saturday, April 19.
In true form, the Duchess of Cambridge, 32, pulled out yet another fashionable look for the day, as she donned a snorkel blue LK Bennett dress for the special occasion. (It’s the first high street outfit she’s worn during a formal royal tour engagement, and is listed at $245.) She accessorized the chic look with an Oroton clutch, which is an Australian brand and approximately $115.
The royal pair arrived without 10-month-old Prince George in a RAAF plane, and met RAAF officials and their partners. “Kate was very chatty and didn’t seem to mind being out in the blazing sun without sunglasses,” an eyewitness tells Us. After introductions, the twosome climbed inside an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter plane cockpit, with Middleton leading the way. The onlooker adds: “They both giggled at him being her co-pilot.”
Kate and Prince William were greeted by Chief of Australian Defense Force, General, as the Duke was invited to inspect Number 1 Squadron, which was used during the First World War. Stephen Chappell, Commanding Officer of Number 1 Squadron, noted that Kate was fascinated by the “dials and gadgets” on the fighter aircraft. There was “bi-play between the two as to who was sitting in what seat,” he remarked.
Afterward, the couple planted a tree at the RAAF Memorial Garden and Kate was presented with a posy of flowers by 9-year-old Ashleigh Kearnan, whose father, Flight Lieutenant Charles Kearnan, served three tours in Afghanistan.
The royals later had a laugh when presented with a boomerang by twin brothers Ellijah and Tobee Dyer. As Prince William took the gift, one said: “It’s not for you, its for the princess to give to George.” The royal dad laughed: “They want you to have it, not me,” as he handed it to Kate. The pair continued the day’s festivities with a reception, where they were joined by servicing personnel, families, and veterans.
