Day 4 of the Royal Tour in New Zealand proved to be the busiest day yet for Kate Middleton and Prince William. They began their morning by hopping on a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane for a quick 15 minute flight to the Blenheim War Memorial, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony.

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Kate wore a cornflower blue Alexander McQueen coat dress, a modified version of one of the designer’s RTW pieces, so it seems that the dress is bespoke, created just for Kate. Above we also get a view of the back of the dress, which had several large pleats.  We know that Alexander McQueen is one of Kate’s favorite designers, after all, she did choose the design house to create her wedding dress, so it is no surprise to see her wearing the designer here.

It actually looks like the coat is almost a combination of two different items that Alexander McQueen offers, perhaps Kate looked to these for inspiration?

Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Again I’ll point out that her hemline has been consistently longer than in the past; every outfit that we’ve seen so far has been right at or right below her knees. She wore her diamond and sapphire drop earrings, carried a blue suede clutch and her blue suede Prada pumps that we have seem many times in the past. It was nice to see Kate’s hair pulled back in a ponytail – I felt it was appropriate for the occasion.

Photo by KiwiMrsMac on Twitter

Afterwards the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stuck around for as long as possible, greeting the crowds, some of whom had been securing their spots since 4:30 am. I love this photo of the Duchess that KiwiMrsMac posted on Twitter of Kate shaking hands with everyone. Also, I love that she is wearing a Rainbow Loom bracelet, given to her by one of the girls in the crowd. How sweet!

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Photo copyright Woolf/ Crown

Next, Kate and William made their way to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center where they were shown a few of Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of vintage planes.  He has been collecting WWI memorabilia since he was aged 12, and was thrilled to show the Duke and Duchess around.

Afterwards, the Royals flew back to Wellington to the Government House for a reception and unveiling of a new portrait of HRM Queen Elizabeth.  We will cover Kate Middleton’s style for that event in a second post.