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How Prince George's New Zealand and Canada playdates compared

george playdate
Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
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How time flies! Prince George was a mere eight months old when he carried out his very first public engagement, attending a special playgroup in Wellington, New Zealand.

The children's party, which took place in 2014, was held especially for the young royal during his tour of Australia and New Zealand with his parents Prince William and Kate.

It could have been a scene from inside any playdate but what made the gathering truly exceptional was that one of the tots crawling around on the floor will one day be King.

george party5© Photo: PA

At the time George, who met children from ten other families, made quite an impression on his fellow guests. According to one parent George was "quite a bruiser" and was impeccably behaved albeit one minor incident with a little girl called Paige, who he made cry after grabbing her wooden toy doll.

In pictures: George and Charlotte's sweetest tour moments

george party3© Photo: PA

Fast forward more than two years and George has attended his second high-profile playdate, this time in Victoria, Canada. The little boy once again showed off his cheeky side, running around the grounds of Government House that were littered with toys.

While his playdate in New Zealand was strictly an indoors affair, no expense was spared for George's Canadian party. A petting zoo - complete with a Nubian goat, two miniature horses, quails and more - were set up in the green grounds, as was a balloon stand, a puppet show and a giant bubble making machine.

george party4© Photo: PA

George was also joined by his sister Princess Charlotte, who turned one in May. The Prince teased his younger sibling, squirting water at her using a water gun, and cheeky George wouldn't be left out of the fun and games.

"I want one too," said the future King, as an entertainer prepared to make an animal balloon for his sister.

It seems that Charlotte has inherited her brother's energy, as she was seen darting from one excitement to another, petting the black and white rabbit, bouncing up and down on a fluffy white dog called Moose, and saying "Pop!" as she pointed at the balloon arch. 

kate dress© Photo: PA

See all the gifts George and Charlotte have received on tour!

On arrival in Canada, William said that he hoped his brood weren't "tearing up" Government House, where they have been based throughout the tour. The young Prince and Princess have been looked after by their Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo while their parents have been out and about undertaking engagements.

Stay tuned to HELLO! Online for the best and most comprehensive coverage as our royal reporter Emily Nash joins the Cambridge family on this historic tour.