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Royal tour heads to the Blue Mountains

During their visit to the Narrow Neck Lookout in Katoomba today, Prince William gave onlookers a fright when he came within centimetres of a 100-metre cliff face.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were there to meet with members of the Mountain Youth Service Team (MYST), a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a wide range of support services to teenagers and young adults who are vulnerable and/or in crisis.

Prince William steps towards the edge of a 100-metre cliff face to gasps from onlookers. Source: Getty

While observing an abseiling demonstration, Prince William stepped to within centimetres of the edge to have a good look without wearing a safety harness.

"He took a bit of a lunge and a few people held their breath, gasped and readied their hands to grab him," said Damien Cooper, manager of the Blue Mountains Youth Service.

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"He was fine, of course, he knew what he was doing. I think his military background prepared him well for it."

Tim Williams of the Blue Mountains Adventure Company added: "He was very calm on the edge; he didn't worry about the safety briefing to stay a fair distance back.

Prince William and Kate pose in front of the Three Sisters. Source: Getty.

"He just stepped up to have a cool look over.

"He said it would be nice to come back another time and have a go himself.

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"They were both keen, it was just their attire that held them back.

Earlier in the day, during their visit to the fire-ravaged suburb of Winmalee, two men were stopped and searched after reportedly 'acting suspiciously' and 'causing a disturbance' just metres from where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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The men were seen shortly after the Royals arrived to meet people who lost their homes in catastrophic bush fires which swept through the region six months ago.

A witness told MailOnline the pair got within 10 metres of the Royal's car as they departed the fire-affected areas before making their way to the Winmalee girls guide hall for lunch.

Kate chats with emergency services personnel in Winmalee. Source: Getty

One of the males was taken away by police, while the other was let go.

A NSW police spokeswoman confirmed the two men, aged 37 and 21, were "stopped and searched" by officers at the scene.

Wills and Kate didn't let the drama affect their meet and greet with the locals. Source: Getty

"About 12.10pm police stopped and spoke to two men who were allegedly harassing members of the crowd gathered at the corner of Singles Ridge Road and Buena Vista Road, Winmalee," she said.

"They were stopped and searched and moved on from the area."

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Undeterred by the drama, Wills and Kate met with residents recovering from the October 2013 bushfires.

Their visit marked the seven-month anniversary of the devastating bush fires, and will no doubt provide a much-needed boost to tourism in the area.

Blue Mountains mayor Craig Greenhill told AAP there was "great excitement" among townspeople who were keen to get a glimpse of William and Kate, and he hoped the media coverage would show the region was open for business.

"The economy has not recovered from the fires and we need to attract visitors back to the mountains ... This coverage will bring people back," he said.

The Royal couple spent time speaking with community leaders, locals, and members of the Rural Fire Service before enjoying lunch at the Girl Guides hall.

After lunch they joined 80 local girl guides for a tree planting ceremony.

Prince William and Kate pose with girl guides after a tree planting ceremony. Source: Getty

The region is still recovering after the bush fires burned more than 50,000 hectares of bush and destroying more than 200 homes.

"What it says is that the world hasn't forgotten what happened in October 2013," Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill told AAP of the royal visit.

Kate wore a navy and white wrap dress by US-based designer, Diane von Furstenberg - the dress has sold out within eight minutes of her appearing.

Kate wore a Diane von Furstenberg printed wrap dress which sold out within minutes!

After touching down in Sydney yesterday, the Royal couple were officially welcomed to the country during a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.

Kate lived up to expectations in a bright yellow dress by London-based, Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinčić.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George arrive in Sydney. Source: Getty

The Royal family were greeted by the newly appointed Governor-General, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Governor of NSW Marie Bashir, Former Lord Mayor Sir Nicholas Shehadie and replacing former Premier Barry O'Farrell was the Honorable Donald Harwin.

Prince George made a brief appearance at the airport, carried down the stairs by his mum, before being passed over to his dad.

The eight-month-old was then taken directly to Admiralty House with his nanny, Maria Borello.

Prince George is presented with a gift from the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove. Source: Getty

Wills and Kate then made their way to the Sydney Opera House where they were greeted by cheers from the thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple.

After a brief tour, they joined 400 specially selected guests for the official welcome ceremony. Among the guests were Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath and athlete Ellyse Perry.

Among others chosen to attend were young leaders close to the royal couple's age who are excelling in areas of community, arts, sports (in particular Commonwealth Games), volunteering, health and education.

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During his speech, the Prince said they have been "looking forward to coming to Australia for a long time"

"There cannot be a more impressive place than the iconic Sydney Opera House to begin our first visit together to Australia.

"Australia and Australians have always been for us a beacon of confidence, creativity in the arts and sporting ability.

"I know that a truly unforgettable few days lie ahead".

Prince William also mentioned his late mother, Diana in his speech, adding: "My mother’s deep affection for Australia – which you were so kind to reciprocate – needs no reminder."

Wills also joked: "I suspect George's first word might be bilby only because koala is harder to say".

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After the official proceedings, the crowd erupted as the Royals stepped back out of the Opera House and made their way to the waiting police vessel that took them to Admiralty House.

As they left New Zealand, Prince William, carrying baby George, and Kate waved to fans at they walked across the tarmac and boarded their Royal Australian Air Force flight bound for Sydney.

Highlights of the Royal's time in NSW include a visit to the Blue Mountain region where they will meet with survivors of the 2013 bushfires, a trip to the Royal Easter Show, and viewing our lifesavers in action on Manly Beach.

Prince George is expected to join his parents for a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Easter Sunday. Source: Getty

Kensington Palace is yet to confirm which event Prince George is expected to attend, however speculation is rife that he will join his parents when they visit Taronga Zoo.

At the zoo they will inspect the bilby enclosure that was named in honour of the young prince when he was born.

The Duchess is also expected to make a solo visit to Bear Cottage in Manly, where she will spend time with sick children as part of her campaign to raise awareness of the importance of care for terminally ill children, just as she did at Rainbow Place in Hamilton.

Kate visited sick children at the Rainbow Place Hospice in Hamilton on April 12. Source: Getty

A day-trip to Brisbane will see Wills and Kate where they will inspect the RAAF base and attend a tree-planting ceremony at the Memorial Gardens.

On April 22 their tour will take them to the red centre with an overnight stay in the Northern Territory to visit Uluru, just like Charles and Di did back in 1983.

The couple will then head to Adelaide where they will tour the suburb of Elizabeth - named after the Queen – as well as a tour of Northern Sound System and a state reception.

The Duke and Duchess will wrap up their tour in the nation’s capital on April 24 and 25, attending the Anzac Day service before officially ending their royal tour.

Western Australia and Victoria will miss out altogether on a regal visit.

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