The royal couple take first public walk of NZ tour
The daring escape from death of a World War I flying ace has enthralled the royal couple on their visit to a New Zealand aviation museum.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who left Prince George with their nanny for the day, could not believe the tale of how New Zealander Keith Logan `Grid' Caldwell guided his crippled biplane after a mid-air collision at 5000 feet, climbing out of the cockpit onto the wing and nursing it close to land, jumping clear before it crashed.
"No way, that's amazing," Prince William said. "How fast was he going when he jumped off?"
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge are seen looking at a Sopwith Pup at the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition. Credit: Getty
"That's an extraordinary story," Kate added after they were told the story at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in the South Island province of Marlborough.
World War II Spitfire pilot Harcourt `Bunty' Bunt, 93, retold the story to the royals as they accompanied film director Sir Peter Jackson around the collection of his aircraft from both world wars.
"He (Caldwell) brushed himself off," Mr Bunt said.
The prince wagered that the pilot probably dined out on his story for some time.
The couple were given a guided tour by Oscar-winning Jackson of the aviation museum on the outskirts of Blenheim with William, a pilot, paying close attention to the aircraft, including a Caproni CA 22.
"Oh wow, look at this! This is awesome," he said when viewing the 1913 plane.
The royals were also shown the lifelike exhibition of the infamous Red Baron's last flight when he was shot down over British lines and killed in 1918 - after bringing down a record 80 planes.
Jackson explained that Australian troops were first on the scene and they stripped the plane for mementoes which brought a smile from the duke.
Prince William also sat in the cockpit of a Sopwith Pup biplane saying: "It's perfect. Start her up."
He and his wife also climbed inside a 1936 Avro Anson bomber which took owners Bill and Robyn Reid 10 years to restore to full working order. It is thought to be the only example in the world that is airworthy.
Jackson said he was delighted to have the royal couple at the museum.
"It was nice, very, very nice," the Hobbit filmmaker said.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge disembarks a WWI plane during a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Credit: Getty
Earlier, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a New Zealand war memorial.
The pair laid a wreath at Seymour Square in Blenheim on the South Island this morning.
The ceremony marked 100 years since World War One, and honoured those lost in combat.
The Duchess wore a blue Alexander McQueen peplum coat dress, with a red remembrance poppy pin.
The royal couple took time to chat with fans who had been waiting since the early morning to catch a glimpse of the pair.
NZ pupils skip school to see royals
Hundreds of children in the New Zealand city of Blenheim skipped school to join royal fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
They gathered at Seymour Square early on Thursday, getting up at 3.30am (1.30am AEST) to arrive at 4.45am, equipped with blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.
Stephanie Southey was expecting a text message from her children's school.
The Duchess of Cambridge greets fans at her first public walk of the New Zealand royal tour. Photo: Getty
The children, aged 12 to 15, had all taken the day off to see the royals - "parental-assisted truancy" as they termed it.
"I've been a royal fan since I was little so I couldn't not see them in my home town," Ms Southey said.
The children hoped to teach Kate and William some Kiwi terms, including "wassup" and "kia ora".
The royal couple are due to meet war veterans after laying wreaths at the war memorial in the square before going on a walkabout.
Gina Burney and Jeannette Abelen, both from Blenheim, had been at the square since 6am - and were hoping for a lunch invite.
The pair had bonded with other early starter, 18-year-old Stephanie Stratton, who had the day off from her job at KFC and had been driving around the square all night waiting to see the royals.
The affection for the royals was a family affair - her grandfather had been an escort for the Queen and her mum had met Princess Diana.
Prince George revels in royal play day at Government House in Wellington. Photo: Woolf Crown Copyright
A number had dressed up for the occasion, including 11-year-old Renworth School pupil Abbey Mcleod who'd donned a pink fascinator in honour of Kate.
When asked why she was a fan of Kate, she replied: "Because she's pretty".
Her mother Kim pointed out a seat only metres away that had been put in place in honour of Prince William's late mother Princess Diana.
Trixie, 89, drove over from Nelson on Wednesday night with her daughter Maureen to make sure she got a prime place to see the duke and duchess.
Originally from the UK, Trixie said she used to see the Queen quite a bit when she was growing up - but she suspected this would be her last chance to see a member of the monarchy.
No ordinary museum trip for Kate and Will
Like many international tourists, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also included a trip to the museum in their itinerary.
But with exhibits designed by Weta's special effects workshops, filmmaker Peter Jackson as a tour guide and no long queues, the museum's founder promised it would not be a stuffy affair.
Inside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Photo: Governor-General of NZ Sir Jerry Mateparae
Prince William and Kate toured Sir Peter's 21 World War I planes and memorabilia at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - and director Jane Orphan had no doubt the Duchess would enjoy the experience.
Ms Orphan, who set up the museum in 2006 with her husband Graham, said dubious wives always end up enjoying the planes which are arranged with manikins and props to create memorable war scenes.
A World War II Avro Anson bomber - the only one still flying in the world - flew overhead as the royals arrived.
The royal couple wandered around the exhibits with Sir Peter, Prime Minister John Key, his wife Bronagh, Labour leader David Cunliffe, and his wife Karen Price-Cunliffe.
Photo: Governor-General of NZ Sir Jerry Mateparae
On Thursday evening, they will return to Wellington where Prince William will have one-on-one chats with Mr Key and Mr Cunliffe.
Then the Duke and Duchess will eat canapes with MPs and ministers at a Government House state reception where a portrait of the Queen by local artist Nick Cuthell will be unveiled.
Baby George will stay in Wellington with his Spanish nanny Maria Borrallo.
