If only a fortuitous nod to the bright Australian sunshine, it was certainly a well-planned nod to the Australian national colours as the Duchess of Cambridge made an unmissable arrival at Sydney airport wearing vivid yellow.
Their royal highnesses touched down in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, executing a customary picture-perfect arrival, from the well-behaved Prince George to the culturally spot-on choice of frock.
The laidback welcome went, as royal plans tend to, like clockwork, save for one last-minute glitch on the part of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's local hosts.
Premier Barry O'Farrell did not take his place in the greeting party after his resignation, throwing an unexpected twist into the minutely choreographed royal schedule.
Comparisons to Lady Diana's similar visit - 31 years ago and with an eight-month-old Prince William in tow - did not come easily, thanks to a bold dress choice, an at-ease Duke and a relaxed atmosphere.
After shaking hands with the welcome committee, the Duchess passed the baby to the Duke, leaving Catherine free to focus on flower girl Joscelyn Sweeney, 22, from Vincentia, who presented her with a bouquet of native flowers.
Ms Sweeney said the Duchess, who asked her about where she lives, was ''so nice''. Joscelyn, who has Down syndrome, was chosen for the honour after her mother wrote to Kensington Palace detailing the positive effect the royal couple have had on Joscelyn's life.
Joscelyn presented ''cute'' Prince George with a copy of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: My First Book. ''What better than a very Australian book?'' her father Todd said of the gift.
Federal and state police, not to mention a large media contingent, far outnumbered a tiny cluster of royal fans on the security perimeter hoping to catch a glimpse of the visitors through a wire fence.
They included Rachael Tagg, a 26-year-old teacher, who had driven three hours from Nowra.
''I just love William and Kate,'' said Ms Tagg, who will be travelling to every Sydney event on the royal itinerary.
''Pretty much whatever Kate wears today, I'll be online trying to buy it right away.''
