Royal visit: Duchess' black and white tribute to NZ colours

Prince George's version of a walkabout during the Plunket get-together at Government House yesterday.

Think of it as the Duchess of Cambridge's version of smart-casual: an open-knit dress to the knee, appropriate for a much-photographed playdate that requires one to mingle at floor level with 10 babies and their families.

For the Cambridges' date with Plunket families at Government House yesterday, the Duchess chose a dress by American designer Tory Burch, selected for its black and white New Zealand colours, according to a royal press secretary.

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Image 1 of 11: April 7: Emilia Wickstead for her Wellington arrival and ceremonial welcome at Government House.

From the designer's Resort 2014 collection, it features a pleated skirt, frayed edging and the fit-and-flare silhouette favoured by the Duchess. Her signature nude pumps and L.K Bennett wedges - much derided among the fashion press - are yet to make an appearance in New Zealand; instead she teamed the dress with black suede pumps.

The Duchess had changed from an earlier outfit, arriving by car to Government House wearing the Max Mara wrap dress she had worn on Monday's flight from Sydney to Wellington. She is expected to make more than one outfit change again tomorrow, with several events planned including a state reception at Government House.

For that, my money is on a bespoke gown by Emilia Wickstead, the New Zealand-born, London-based designer who is also in the country at present.

For yesterday's Plunket playdate, Prince George wore sailboat smocked cotton dungarees by British childrenswear brand Rachel Riley, a suitably regal look for a future king whose wardrobe is becoming as closely followed as his mother's.

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