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Kamis, 10 April 2014

New Zealand State Reception & Dinner




On Thursday evening (April 10, 2013), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were the guest of honor at a state reception and dinner hosted by New Zealand Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House in Wellington.198 guests were invited, comprised of senior politicians, MPs and other notable figures from public life. Prior to the start of the events, Prince William took 20-minute meetings with Prime Minister John Key and Labour Leader David Cunliffe.




During the reception, William and Kate unveiled a new portrait of the Queen. In September 2012 the New Zealand Portrait Gallery commissioned a portrait of The Queen for their permanent collection to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. A group of young people pledged funds to finance the portrait and picked a young artist, Nick Cuthell.




To the Queen! John Key (left) and Governor-General Jerry Mateparae (right) joined the Duke and Duchess in a toast after the portrait was unveiled.

Prince William delivered a speech beneath an older portrait of his grandmother (left) while Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae looked on. The new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell was unveiled at the reception.

The Duchess of Cambridge observing Prince William during his speech about the portrait of the Queen.

Mr. Cuthell had a sitting with The Queen in the UK in October 2013. In the painting she is wearing the silver fern brooch Kate wore for her New Zealand arrival earlier in the week.

On the dinner menu was parmesan and horopito shortbreads with Zany Zeus Feta and heirloom tomato, smoked and potted Lake Taupo trout with oatcakes and capers, oysters on ice with shallot and Chardonnay vinaigrette, braised Cardorona Merino lamb tarts with fresh mint, tomato and black olive. There were also cocktail Paua fritters with garlic mayonnaise and pickled ginger, dressed Waikanae crab toasts with lime and herbs, Windsor Blue and beetroot risotto balls with green herb mayonnaise, South Island rabbit pies and custard tarts with kiwifruit and kaffir lime.

As the guests mingled, chatted and sipped on chilled local wine, the Royal New Zealand Air Force jazz quintet played a selection of lively tunes including Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares For Me."








Blenheim - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre




On Thursday (April 10, 2014), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Blenheim. Their third engagement of the day was visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where they viewed World War I planes and exhibits.The Hobbit film producer Sir Peter Jackson showed William and Kate around the inside of the museum which holds WWI memorabilia he has been collecting since he was 12 years old.


On Thursday the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Blenheim. Their third engagement of the day was visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where they viewed a WWI planes and exhibits.







The Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre presented the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a child-sized flying helmet, lined with possum skin, as a gift for Prince George.




The Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre presented the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a child-sized flying helmet, lined with possum skin, as a gift for Prince George.




Kate wore a new, custom made, cornflower blue coat dress by Alexander McQueen. She accented the outfit with New Zealand's official WWI commemorative red poppy and a pair of sapphire and diamond drop earrings that match her engagement ring. Kate finished her look with a navy suede clutch and matching navy pumps.







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