The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge completed a very successful tour of Australia in April, with thousands of excited well-wishers coming to see the royal couple wherever they went.

The baby Prince was dubbed “George the Republican Slayer”. How could one not resist such a cute little fellow – especially our future King whom Prime Minister Tony Abbott called “George VII”?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George flew to Sydney on Wednesday, 16 April, after a very successful eight-day tour of New Zealand.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and NSW Governor Marie Bashir greeted the royal family when they disembarked from the Royal Australian Air Force jet at Kingsford-Smith Airport.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and his wife Rosemary were notably conspicuous by their absence, owing to Mr O’Farrell’s resignation earlier that day.

Sydney Opera House

Thousands gathered at the Sydney Opera House to cheer the Royal Couple as they arrived for a reception hosted by NSW Governor Marie Bashir.

Monarchists Roger and Carolyn were looking forward to seeing the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Monarchists Carolyn and Roger at the Sydney Opera House. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash
Monarchists Carolyn and Roger at the Sydney Opera House. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash

Opera House staff brought sunscreen for those who had been standing in the hot sun for hours as they eagerly waited for the Duke and Duchess’s arrival.

The Royal Couple at the Opera House. © 2014 Carolyn Cash
NSW Governor Marie Bashir greets the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Sydney Opera House. © 2014 Carolyn Cash

Inside the reception, Prince William had joked that “bilby” might be Prince George’s first word as it was easier to say than “koala”.

Afterwards the Duke and Duchess met and greeted some of their fans who had waited hours to see them.

Crowds watch to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash
Crowds watch to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash

Many more stood watching from the Botanical Gardens, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they walked from the Opera House to the Man O’War steps for a short trip across the harbour to Admiralty House, as guests of the Governor-General.

Royal Easter Show

Huge crowds gathered outside the Dome Pavilion at the showground on Good Friday waiting to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to put the Royal back into Sydney Easter Show!

Previous royal visits included Princess Anne in 1988, Prince Charles in 1981 and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1971.

Some had arrived early to find good vantage spots where they could see the Duke and Duchess as they visited various exhibits.

One woman insisted the royal couple would be bringing Prince George, but this proved not to be the case when the Duke and Duchess arrived.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Royal Easter Show. © Carolyn M Cash
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Royal Easter Show. © Carolyn M Cash

One woman from the security detail had fainted from the heat outside the Dome Pavilion, and had to be carried inside.

They were not disappointed when the royal couple arrived to see some exhibits in the Dome and Southee and Badgery Pavilions.

One fellow, with a goanna on his hat, waited with two women had large snakes draped over them like scarves, were also waiting to see the royal couple.

Man with goanna on his hat at the Royal Easter Show. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash
Man with goanna on his hat at the Royal Easter Show. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash

According to one woman, the Duchess had commented about the snake as she passed by.

St Andrew’s Cathedral

(from L to R) Archbishop of Sydney The Most Reverend Glenn Davies, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Dean of Sydney The Very Reverend Philip Jensen. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash
(from L to R) Archbishop of Sydney The Most Reverend Glenn Davies, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Dean of Sydney The Very Reverend Philip Jensen. © 2014 Carolyn M Cash

Crowds began arriving around 6.00 am on Sunday, 20 April, to wait for the royal visit, in Sydney Square, including two young women with a bouquet of native flowers with a small koala tucked inside.

The Duke and Duchess were greeted by Anglican Archbishop Glenn Davies and Dean Phillip Jensen upon arrival after Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife Margie had arrived.

The service was broadcasted to the crowds waiting outside, including a Bible reading by 2CH’s Kel Richards and the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

Those attending the 10.30 am service had tickets, including young monarchists from the Australian Monarchist League who were privileged to attend.

The First Fleet Bible © 2014 Carolyn M Cash
The First Fleet Bible © 2014 Carolyn M Cash

The Duke and Duchess also signed the First Fleet Bible before leaving the Cathedral to greet members of the choir and Sunday School children.

Prince George’s First Official Engagement in Australia

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by young Prince George, unveiled a plaque commemorating the dedication of the Prince George Bilby Exhibit.

Prince George is given his very own bilby.

See the video of the Royal Visit.

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