No tiaras Down Under for 'modern' royals

There's been a lot of speculation about what Kate Middleton might wear when she tours New Zealand and Australia with Prince William and baby George.

Kensington Palace isn't giving much away, but has confirmed there will be no tiaras on display in April.

The Cambridges have been keen to portray themselves as "modern" royals and there aren't any black tie events on their schedule.

Read the royal's New Zealand itinerary here.

That means no tiaras for Kate.

Two state receptions will, however, necessitate evening attire.

Prince William's private secretary, Miguel Head, joked with reporters at a tour press briefing that - for those interested - "the Duke will be wearing a suit".

British tabloids have reported The Queen offered Kate the use of her personal dresser to ensure the Duchess looked suitably elegant Down Under.

It's been speculated Kate will require up to four outfits a day for the three-week trip.

The Queen's trusted staff member Angela Kelly has apparently assisted the Duchess in selecting "statement jewellery and gemstones from the Her Majesty's personal collection".

Kensington Palace has announced Kate will bring a hairdresser on the tour, but there won't be a clothes dresser. Instead there's a "personal assistant".

The travelling party is similar in size to recent overseas visits.

Prince William and Kate each have a private secretary.

Then there's three press officers, a tour secretary, the hairdresser and the personal assistant.

An orderly will help manage logistics.

Former diplomat Sir David Manning will also accompany the royal couple.

"A new addition to the party is, of course, Prince George's nanny," Mr Head said in London. But he wouldn't reveal any more details.

The Duchess hasn't set foot in Australia or New Zealand other than an administrative transfer out of Brisbane airport in 2012 at the end of the couple's South Pacific tour.

Mr Head said William and Kate were both "very outdoorsy, sporty people" and were looking forward to visiting where sport was "a big part of national life".

"There is no hiding the enthusiasm for this visit by both the Duke and the Duchess," the secretary said.

"The Duke, because he has been before, and the Duchess because she has never been to either country, but has wanted to do so as long as she can remember."

- AAP