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Farewell, so long: The Royals are on their way home

Baby Prince George wailed as he and his family were farewelled in Canberra.

With a royal wave and beaming smiles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said goodbye and thanks in Canberra on Friday afternoon after their successful 10-day national tour.

Catherine held baby George as the royal couple boarded the RAAF aircraft bound for Sydney, ahead of their connecting flight home to London.

The little prince let out a wail as they were farewelled by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynne, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.

Royals

A poppy is placed at the war memorial in Canberra. Photo: AAP

They were farewelled by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynne, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.

Kate, wearing the outfit she wore to the national service, carried baby George up the stairs and into the plane, where the family waved goodbye to Australia.

They’ll fly to Sydney before transferring to another flight for the trip home.

The couple had not been expected at the Australian War Memorial until mid-morning on Friday but under the cover of darkness made a discreet entry just after 5am (AEST).

William, who was a lieutenant in the RAF, wore two service medals and a sprig of rosemary as he stood abreast Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

He and Catherine later attended the national ceremony, watching the procession and laying a wreath at the stone of remembrance.

After visiting the tomb of the unknown soldier and placing a poppy on the wall of remembrance, they planted a tree at the War Memorial, a specimen cultivated from the historic Lone Pine at Gallipoli.

In one of only two speeches made by William during the couple’s 10-day tour of Australia, the second-in-line to the British throne spoke of the nation’s bravery and engagement in numerous conflicts.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott thanked the royal couple for their involvement.

“Your presence reminds us of all our comrades in arms,” he said.

The couple, along with nine-month-old Prince George, jet out of Australia on Friday afternoon.

 

 

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