Duchess Kate Black Gown: Middleton's Embroidered Dress Honors Kiwi Nation (VIDEO)
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wowed onlookers in New Zealand on Thursday where she stepped out in a black Jenny Packham evening gown.
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Middleton, 32, and Prince William, 31, were on hand at Government House in Wellington to unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess' fitted gown made waves. She dazzled in the full-length dress which was embroidered with silver ferns (the national emblem) to honor the Kiwi nation.
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The lavish State Reception was held by Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who is the Queen's representative in New Zealand. William and Kate, who are on day four of their royal tour, personally greeted 198 guests and partook in a cocktail hour prior to the unveiling.
The Queen's portrait was commissioned in 2012 by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery and it was painted last year by Wellington based artist Nick Cuthell.
The royal couple kicked off their Antipodean tour on April 7 and they are scheduled to fulfill a total of 48 engagements around Australia and New Zealand over three weeks. Prince George Alexander Louis accompanied his parents on their trip and he continues to steal the show.
"I cannot tell you how happy I am to be back here in God's Own Country -- as I have learned to call it -- and this time with my wife and son," William said while addressing the crowd at Government House.
"On this visit, I have no doubt that it will be Catherine, and not just me, who falls for New Zealand," he said.
William, who wore a blue suit and colored tie, thanked New Zealand's Governor General, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries for their hospitality.
"I hope that George doesn't keep you up! He's at his most vocal at 3 a.m., as you may have noticed. I swear I heard him doing the haka this morning!" William said of his 8-month-old son.
"He's a bonny lad," he continued, "and you'll be pleased to know that he's currently preparing for life as a prop forward!"
