The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
today took part in an Aborigine Welcome to Country ceremony at
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
After meeting elders from the Anangu people of Uluru, they gathered around a camp fire to watch the Inma ritual which incorporates traditional clapping sticks.
The ritual was the way the Anangu people formally acknowledged the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's arrival to their land.
Kate and William watched intently as dancers smeared with white paint performed in a ceremonial circle.
Speaking in Pitjantjatjara, the language of the Anangu, an elder explained the meaning of the dances which was then translated into English for Kate and William.
Catherine had made a wardrobe change from her arrival outfit into a Hobbs grey and white summer dress, sensibly ditching the heels for a pair of wedges, which in moments became caked in red dust.
A boy from the community presented the duke and duchess with a basket of Mala poo paper paintings - surely one of the tour's less likely gifts.
The couple appeared to enjoy the display, asking questions of their hosts and admiring their gifts, which also included a carved wooden (punu) shield.
Loud laughter went up from Catherine when William made a joke about a wooden snake that sat near the fire.
At the end of the dance, the Duchess smiled and spoke with Adam Giles, the Northern territory Chief Minister and Australia’s first indigenous head of government.
At the Uluru Cultural Centre, Prince William and Kate chatted soccer, rugby union and mathematics in a relaxed and animated encounter with nine Northern Territory high school children from some of the most remote schools in Australia.
After meeting elders from the Anangu people of Uluru, they gathered around a camp fire to watch the Inma ritual which incorporates traditional clapping sticks.
The ritual was the way the Anangu people formally acknowledged the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's arrival to their land.
Kate and William watched intently as dancers smeared with white paint performed in a ceremonial circle.
A warm Welcome: William and Kate arrived at
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre on Tuesday, where they took part in an
Aborigine Welcome to Country ceremony
Wardrobe change: Kate changed from her arrival
outfit into a Hobbs grey and white summer dress, sensibly ditching the
heels for a pair of wedges, which in moments became caked in red dust
Speaking in Pitjantjatjara, the language of the Anangu, an elder explained the meaning of the dances which was then translated into English for Kate and William.
Catherine had made a wardrobe change from her arrival outfit into a Hobbs grey and white summer dress, sensibly ditching the heels for a pair of wedges, which in moments became caked in red dust.
A boy from the community presented the duke and duchess with a basket of Mala poo paper paintings - surely one of the tour's less likely gifts.
The couple appeared to enjoy the display, asking questions of their hosts and admiring their gifts, which also included a carved wooden (punu) shield.
Red earth: The couple took in the breathtaking view of Australia's iconic Uluru or Ayers Rock as it is sometimes called
The couple looked to be enjoying their visit to
the famous Northern Territory location, although Kate did tell onlookers
she was struggling with the flies
The afternoon sunlight created a magical atmosphere as the couple arrived
Catherine
spoke with a group of elderly Anangu women before moving to the
fireside, the fragrant bloodwood smoke filing the small spectator area. Loud laughter went up from Catherine when William made a joke about a wooden snake that sat near the fire.
At the end of the dance, the Duchess smiled and spoke with Adam Giles, the Northern territory Chief Minister and Australia’s first indigenous head of government.
At the Uluru Cultural Centre, Prince William and Kate chatted soccer, rugby union and mathematics in a relaxed and animated encounter with nine Northern Territory high school children from some of the most remote schools in Australia.
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