Duchess Kate Wears Familiar Looks in New Zealand; Outfit Details Revealed (VIDEO)
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has worn a number of familiar outfits during her royal tour of New Zealand, proving that despite her royal status she is not afraid to recycle.
Middleton and Prince William 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. The Duchess, who has become somewhat of a fashion icon in recent years, continues to wow crowds with her elegant appearance and trendy attire and many have applauded her for making a conscious effort to recycle familiar outfits.
During what was her and William's eighth engagement in Christchurch on Monday, the Duchess, 32, wore a familiar scarlet Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit which resembled one she wore back in 2011. One day prior while attending a Palm Sunday service in the city of Dunedin, Middleton opted for an Emilia Wickstead aquamarine coat dress which looked familiar to a pink outfit she wore twice last year.
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"She is making everybody want to dress up a little bit more even if you are a young girl ... And I think that's great and really exciting. I'm a true believer in dressing up and making an effort," Wickstead once told People magazine about Middleton.
Middleton, who was raised by middle-class parents, is often hailed for recycling outfits as many believe it reflects her down-to-earth persona.
On Thursday, the Duchess made waves at Government House where she and William were on hand in Wellington to unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. She dazzled in a black, full-length Jenny Packham evening gown which was embroidered with silver ferns (the national emblem) to honor the Kiwi nation.
On Sunday she opted for a more casual look of denim jeans and a blazer while visiting Otago Wines Amisfield Vineyard in Queenstown. The Duchess took in the scenic mountains and warm sun as John Darby, 57, owner of Amisfield Vineyard, gave her and William a tour of the property before offering them each a glass of 2011 Amisfield pinot noir.
Middleton expressed her delight in being able to enjoy wine following the birth of eight-month-old baby George, who has been photographed with his parents on several occasions.
She told the Amisfield's owners she is "really enjoying being able to drink again after having baby George," Us magazine reported.
Middleton and William are believed to have obtained a passport for Prince George in September ahead of the royal tour.
The trip mirrors the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles' 1983 trip to Australia which marked a then nine-months-old William's first trip abroad. Prior to the trip, the Queen first had to give permission for William, now 31, to travel on the same plane as his father as royal protocol dictates an heir and the next in line must not fly together.
