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Prince George’s play date

One day he may rule them all, but for now Prince George is content to take control of their toys.

The eight-month-old crawled around a plush Government House room on Tuesday with 10 Kiwi babies, and had no qualms about pinching their playthings.

Happy chatter and gurgles – interspersed by the occasional wail – filled the room as babies of a similar age to George crawled between the legs of their parents, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their host, Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Baby George certainly had eyes for little Lily Gray, reaching out for her as she sat in her mother Alana’s arms.

Her father Phil joked that the play group hosted by child health group Plunket would be their first date – and George’s enthusiasm suggested he wanted a second.

The royal prerogative of the third heir to the throne shone through, however, when he took a shine to a wooden Mary-Lou doll in the possession of young Eden Alve.

The first-time parents were all from the Wellington region and included a pair of gay fathers and a single mum.

Baby George reached for the doll and snatched it from Eden, before throwing it to the floor.

His smiling mother, Kate, picked it up and handed it back to Eden.

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Decked out in navy dungarees and a white shirt, the little prince was one of the biggest babies in the room.

He was not afraid to get stuck in and take charge, said Grant Collinge, whose baby Lukas played with George.

Porirua early childhood teacher Sheila Tagulima said George was advanced for his age – the prince was hauling himself up to stand against objects while her own son, Tagii, was not yet ready to stand.

Despite George’s confidence Kate watched on protectively, occasionally wiping some dribble from his chin.

William chatted to some of the other parents, even joking: “It’s madness, there are babies everywhere.”

The first-time parents were all from the Wellington region and included a pair of gay fathers and a single mum.

The remarkable event was all over within an hour, leaving the parents to exchange impressions on one of the more unusual play dates their children will ever enjoy.

Baby George will spend the day in Wellington with his nanny on Thursday while his parents jet off to Blenheim.

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