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Britain's baby Prince George embarked on his first official tour on Monday, visiting New Zealand with parents William and Kate, but the 8-month-old missed the famed Maori welcome after being whisked indoors amid wild weather.

Strong winds, rain and poor visibility greeted the royals in Wellington at the start of a three-week visit to New Zealand and Australia that marks the beginning of a lifetime of regal duties for Prince George.

Kate, 32, struggled to keep her dress and pillbox hat under control as she carried her son down the steps of a New Zealand Air Force plane to be greeted by Prime Minister John Key.

The chubby baby was dressed in shorts and a white cardigan. Kate wore a buttoned-up redcoat by designer Catherine Walker, adorned with a silver fern brooch that was a gift to Queen Elizabeth II when she visited New Zealand in 1953.

"I don't think their enthusiasm for coming to New Zealand has been dampened at all by the fact that we all got wet today on the tarmac," Key told reporters.

"My sense is that they're going to captivate the nation. ... Hopefully, they'll have a great time."

The arrival was one of the first times George, who is third in line to the throne, has been seen in public since his birth on July 22.

Crowds were relatively sparse due to the rain in Wellington, although a group of children huddled under umbrellas were rewarded with a brief chat with William and Kate before the royal couple headed inside.

The visit has sparked intense interest in New Zealand, with discussion ranging from how George's baby car seat has been installed to whether the country should retain the monarchy.

The royals will have a rest day on Tuesday, then George may have a play session with a group of local babies on Wednesday. His parents will ride in a jet boat and sail America's Cup yachts while in New Zealand.

The Australian leg of the trip includes an excursion to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the center of thecountry.

（中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.