Prince William and Kate go walkabout in New Zealand

(MENAFN- Arab News) Blenheim new zealand: britain's prince william and wife kate honored new zealand's war dead at a sombre ceremony then delighted the crowds when they went walkabout in the small south island town of blenheim


The royal couple laid a wreath of red roses at the town's war memorial for the centenary of the first world war and marked a minute's silence before moving along ranks of aged veterans lined up with medals pinned to their chests


The couple who kicked off a three-week tour of new zealand and australia on monday then prompted cheers as they chatted and shook hands with the crowds of fans waving british flags — some of whom arrived at 4:30 am to grab a prime position along the barriers


Their eight-month-old son prince george who enjoyed a play session with 10 kiwi babies on wednesday stayed in wellington where the family have based themselves for their 10-day new zealand trip


Kate 32 wore a powder-blue alexander mcqueen frock coat with her hair tied back in a ponytail


Blenheim resident vicky king said locals could scarcely believe the couple had come to their town of about 30000 which lies at the heart of the marlborough wine-making region with much of the population turning out to catch a glimpse of the royals


"it's just so crazy that they came to blenheim" she said after meeting kate describing it as a "surreal" experience


"i was really nervous but she's a mum just like me... she was very easy to talk to."


Her son alton who at nine months is just a little older than baby prince george startled kate with a loud sneeze as she leaned in to look at him


"she said 'oh my goodness' and giggled -- i said he was sorry he had a cold. the official behind her thought it was really funny" she said adding: "alton will be known for sneezing on royalty!"


William and kate then met director peter jackson at the omaka aviation heritage centre which the oscar-winning filmmaker has spent millions of dollars turning into a museum


Their guide was a world war ii spitfire pilot — harcourt "bunty" bunt still sprightly at 93 — who regaled them with stories of the heroics behind some of the exhibits


William a qualified helicopter pilot who served in britain's royal air force was particularly taken with a sopwith pup biplane and hopped into the cockpit for a closer look


"it's perfect. start her up" he joked


After the royal couple returned to the capital they attended a state reception at government house where william unveiled a portrait of his grandmother queen elizabeth


The second-in-line to the throne apologized to governor-general jerry mateparae about any night-time disturbances caused by baby george


"he has been known to be particularly vocal at 3:00am i swear i heard him doing the haka (maori war dance) this morning" he said


"he's a bonny lad and you'll be pleased to know he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward."