Princess Charlotte: The best pictures from the young royal's first engagement in Canada

Princess Charlotte managed to steal the show at a children's party at Canada's Government House in Victoria, on Thursday afternoon. This marked the young royal's first ever official engagement. She spent time making new friends, played with a dog named Moose and had fun with the toys brought in for the occasion.

Prince William and Kate arrived in style with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. They were the guests of honour at a bash thrown in the gardens of Government House, British Columbia.

Little Princess Charlotte looked simply adorable in a £74 pale blue frock with pink smocking and a peter pan collar from Pepa & Co. Her dress was styled with a matching blue knit cardigan from Spanish brand Mi Lucero and cute little pumps.

The 16-month-old tot appeared to be having a wonderful time as her father Prince William lovingly carried her in his arms.

Meanwhile, Kate cut a relaxed figure in a cream £300 See by Chloe dress which she teamed with an old pair of Monsoon wedges. Her glossy brunette tresses were worn loosely over her shoulders and her facial features were accentuated with muted tones of makeup.

Charlotte made a beeline for the colourful balloons as soon as she was set down.

"Pop!" the little Princess said, pointing at the balloons while her big brother George looked around asking for "Mummy". "Would you like a balloon, Charlotte?" William asked his daughter as he scooped her up in his arms.

The young princess look intrigued as she spotted some bubbles on the grass.

Held in their parents' arms, Princess Charlotte and Prince George later took a closer look at a balloon artist at work. Charlotte was given a pink and blue flower balloon.

The toddler appeared to be delighted with her new gift. During the day's outing, George and Charlotte sweetly bonded with other children their age, sharing their toys and happily playing games.

A Nubian goat, two miniature horses called Honey and TC, a sheep, quails and a black and white rabbit were among the creatures that the children could pet. There was also a St John's Ambulance therapy dog, golden retriever and poodle cross, called Moose.

A palace spokesperson said: "The Duke and Duchess are really pleased to have this opportunity to introduce their children to Canada and it's great that they have the chance to play with other children while they are here."

At one point, the Duchess of Cambridge helped undo the buttons on her daughter's blue knit cardigan.

Following her mother's lead, 16-month-old Princess Charlotte looked up as her cardigan was whipped off.

This garden party at Government House marked Charlotte's first public appearance with her brother, Prince George, aged three.

Stealing the limelight from her proud parents, Charlotte charmed the world on her first official engagement.

Entranced, Princess Charlotted looked trilled as she played with a toy drum in her mother's arms.

This was George and Charlotte's second high-profile appearance during the tour. Royal watchers caught a glimpse of the siblings as they disembarked from the airplane and touched down in Victoria on Saturday.

The garden of the official home of Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, had been transformed into a children's paradise for the young royals and a group of children from military families.

The royal family are due to fly back to the UK when the tour of Canada ends on Sunday.