Kate Middleton and Prince William Unveil Queen Elizabeth II Portrait, Talk "Bonny Lad" Prince George

"New Zealand is very special to me personally," Prince William tells the crowd during the royal tour

By Zach Johnson Apr 10, 2014 11:30 AMTags
 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Duke of CambridgeArthur Edwards - Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton is killing it Down Under!

The Duchess of Cambridge, 32, looked regal in a custom Jenny Packham dress when she and Prince William, 31, attended a state reception at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday. The royal couple was on hand to unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by local artist Nick Cuthell.

Middleton's outfit featured a swing skirt and was accented with a silver fern on her shoulder to represent the country's emblem. She completed her look with black pumps and a matching clutch.

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William gave a speech that night and began with a few words in the traditional Maori language. "New Zealand is very special to me personally," he told the crowd. The Duke of Cambridge complimented the "beautiful" landscape and marveled at how "affectionate" people have been towards his grandmother.

"Thank you also for hosting Catherine, George and me during our time in New Zealand," he added.

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He also referenced his 8-month-old son, Prince George, who was elsewhere with nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. "I swear I heard him doing the haka this morning," he quipped, referencing the traditional ancestral dance from the nation's Maori people. "I hope that George doesn't keep you up!"

"He's a bonny lad and you'll be pleased to know that he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward!" joked William, who is second in line to the British throne behind his father, Prince Charles.

While he's been to the country several times, it's the first time his wife and son have seen it. "On this visit, I have no doubt that it will be Catherine—and not just me—who falls for New Zealand," he said.

The royal couple had had a busy day, starting with a trip to Blenheim, where they honored the memory of those killed in the World WAR I. They later visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.