Following in Charles and Diana’s footsteps

Wills, Kate visit Uluru as sun sets on one of most stunning sites on earth
Bathed in an orange glow, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw the majesty of Uluru at sunset for themselves today.

A few minutes before 6pm, the royal couple arrived at the best viewing spot for the rock, with Kate still wearing her high-heeled platform shoes.

In a scene reminiscent of William’s parents the Prince and Princess of Wales 31 years ago, the couple posed for photographs at the legendary beauty spot  – formerly known as Ayers Rock – in the heart of the Australian Outback.

At first William and Kate seemed a little self conscious as they posed for photographers.

‘So what shall we talk about,’ the prince joked to his wife.

Uluru is one of the most romantic spots in Australia and a fitting stop on the couple’s tour as they celebrate their third wedding anniversary next week.

The Duchess, looking slightly flushed in the face from her day in the sunny red centre, talked animatedly with her husband as he swatted yet another fly from his face.

As the cameras whirred away, it was hard not to compare the modern royal couple with iconic images of William’s parents – Charles and Diana – at roughly the same spot 31 years ago.

A school girl, who was lucky enough to witness the moment, told Kate: ‘You were both like magic when the photos were being taken, I was like ‘How are they not swatting flies away?’ Kate laughed: ‘I know. It was difficult.’ Added William: ‘They were all coming for us.’ Moments later, William said to Kate: ‘It’s a beautiful sight though. Quite breath-taking.’

Earlier in the day the couple 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.

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.

Earlier the royal tourists presented certificates to tourism and hospitality graduates from the National Indigenous Training Academy at Yulara, and met some of the excited locals.

They were met at the academy’s entrance by general manager, Marea Moulton, and other officials from the facility.