PM Tony Abbott describes the royal couple as 'bigger than Kelly Slater' at the Parliamentry reception for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
THE Royal couple will spend the day in Canberra for the second-last day of their Australian tour — stay with us for all the news as it happens throughout the day.
Check out the video above for footage of the Royals’ reception. Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the pair as “bigger than Kelly Slater”. Umm, OK.
“A couple of years back, Kelly Slater visited Manly in my electorate. There were over a thousand screaming fans as you’d expect when the world’s greatest surfer visits the world’s greatest beach.
“But as I have seen with my own eyes, sir, ma’am, in Manly, you are bigger than Kelly Slater.”
We’re sure the Royals will return to Britain thrilled the Prime Minister of Australia thinks their visit was better than that time a surfing champ who once dated Pamela Anderson visited his home town.
The Duchess of Cambridge has stepped out in a green coat dress by Catherine Walker. Westfield's Gabe Robinson shows you how to get her latest look for much less.
“Tony, please stop talking about surfing.” Picture: AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
Abbott: Royals bigger than Kelly Slater
Tony you had one job: Don’t compare the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Kelly Slater. AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
1:50pm: The live stream has now finished - we’ll have video footage of the reception for you shortly. The reception will wrap up in around 20 minutes, and from there, the Royals will head to the National Portrait Gallery for a guided tour.
Prince William says he and younger brother Prince Harry will attend next year's Anzac centenary celebrations at Gallipoli.
1:25pm: Watch the live stream at the top of the page for all the coverage of the Parliament House reception. So far we’ve had speeches from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, and a speech by William in which he revealed he and brother Harry will take part in next year’s Centenary of Gallipoli campaign. He also summed up the couple's thoughts on their visit to Australia:
“Reluctantly, Catherine, George and I leave Australia tomorrow. Thank you for the warmth and generosity that has been shown to us during our visit. We go away with wonderful memories, and George goes away with his cuddly wombat, which he has taken to chewing so lovingly. We greatly look forward to coming back. And when we do return, it will be to marvel again at all that Australia is, and will yet become.”
Kate is accompanied by Margie Abbott in Parliament House. Picture: AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
“We greatly look forward to coming back. And when we do return, it will be to marvel again at all that Australia is, and will yet become.”
1:15pm: William and Kate stand for the national anthem at Parliament House:
1pm: Tune into the live stream at the top of the page for live coverage of the royal reception at Parliament House. The place is packed:
Gallery: William and Kate’s day in Canberra
12:50pm: As we wait for the Royal couple to arrive at Parliament House in just under ten minutes’ time, let’s look at some pictures of this morning’s tree planting at the National Arboretum:
Kate and William watch two children help them with a tree planting. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Feeling homesick? The royals don’t look too chuffed in this snap. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Kate’s emerald dress isn’t the first Catherine Walker-designed outfit she’s worn on tour. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
A cold morning in Canberra for the tree planting ceremony. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
11:10am: William and Kate have wrapped up their brief visit to the National Arboretum. Their next stop is at 1pm, when they’re due to arrive at Parliament House for an hour-long reception hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Local six-year-olds Oliver and Sebastian Lye were on hand to help the royal couple plant the English oak tree near the arboretum’s Pod Playground.
The oak was chosen because it is a symbol of England, representing strength and endurance. The arboretum was established following the devastating 2003 Canberra bushfires.
William and Kate both shovelled soil on to the tree’s base before the boys watered it with red watering cans.
The couple then mingled with 50 lucky Canberrans who won a ballot to be a part of the event, even playing with children in the playground.
10:55am: As with yesterday’s visit to Adelaide, interacting with local youth is an important part of today’s activities. Here, Kate chats with students from a local school:
10:50am: Kate gets involved in the tree planting:
But has Newscorp journalist Kristen Shorten, who’s at the event, unearthed a scandal? It appears the tree was pre-planted!
10:40am: William’s looking bright in a yellow tie today, but let’s face, it, Kate’s bespoke green dress is the focus of attention. This isn’t the first time she’s donned an outfit by French-born, London-based designer Catherine Walker on this tour - she also wore one of her outfits at Wellington Airport back on April 8. Walker was also a favourite designer of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Kate’s previous, prone-to-wardrobe-malfunction Catherine Walker outfit, worn as she arrived at Wellington Airport. Picture: AFP PHOTO Source: AFP
10:35am: Kate’s looking stunning in a long-sleeved, emerald green Catherine Walker dress.
10:30am: William and Kate are arriving at the National Arboretum...should get our first look at today’s frock any minute now.
10am: William and Kate are scheduled to arrive at the National Arboretum in just under half an hour to start their official engagements for the day. While there, they’ll assist in a tree planting and meet local students.
It’s a busy day for the royals: after the tree planting there’s a reception at Parliament House with Tony Abbott, a tour of the National Portrait Gallery and later, an evening reception at Parliament House.
The morning must be tinged with sadness for the royals, with news overnight that Camilla Parker Bowles’ brother Mark Shand has died after suffering a serious head injury after falling following a night out in New York.
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