Wild weather greets royal family in New Zealand

Monday, April 7, 2014, 11:45 AM -

Thousands of New Zealanders gathered in Wellington hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began a three week tour on Monday, marking Baby George's first international tour.

Strong winds, rain and poor visibility greeted the royals and the wild weather proved to be a challenge for Kate who struggled to keep her dress and pill-box hat under control.

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The royals were met by Prime Minister John Key who says the trio braved the rainy weather in style. 

"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."

It didn't dampen the spirit of locals and fans either who flocked to New Zealand's capital several days before their arrival.

This is 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 last year.

During their stay William and Kate will do some wine-tasting, meet with "The Lord of the Rings'' director Peter Jackson, and visit Christchurch.

With files from The Canadian Press