Kate Middleton and Prince William wrapped up their three week royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with 9-month-old Prince George on Friday, April 25, leaving with some very precious memories and photos.
Marking baby George's first royal engagement (besides his Christening in London back in October) the cherubic cutie did everything from meet perspective playmates to a fun-filled visit to the zoo in Sydney, where he met face-to-face with a bilby!
Each precious moment was caught by photographers, and the Duchess has decided on a favorite photograph—when her 9-month-old snuggled up on her shoulder during his memorable group play date in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 9, at Government House.
Taken by professional photographer and Wellington City councillor Simon Woolf, who was the official photographer for the New Zealand government, George looks like his adorable self, clad in navy "sailboat-smocked" dungaree shorts from Rachel Riley and a white babygro.
The future king of England clings familiarly to the Duchess of Cambridge, who was donning a now sold-out Tory Burch black and white dress.
"She [the Duchess] said it was just lovely and that it was her favorite photo of the tour,” Woolf told reporters, adding that he presented the couple with a black and white version of the snap at the end of their time in New Zealand.
Woolf adds that he was supposed to do an official family portrait of the couple that evening, but plans fell apart because of George’s sleeping schedule. "There was a bit of a plan for a [staged] family photo but it fell to pieces because they allowed George to sleep for an extra half-hour,” he says.
PHOTOS: Kate's best hairstyles
Having spent time with the couple, Woolf says William was a "class act" and the Duchess "is every bit as wonderful as he is and she has such a wonderful heart."
The photographer adds he plans on sending framed copies of the photo to baby George's grandparents and great-grandparents, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth.
