While I've enjoyed keeping an eye on the coverage, predominantly on Kate's fashion choices, I've never been an avid royal watcher.

But when I came face to face with the Duchess of Cambridge, even I was shocked by my own enthusiasm.

The Duke and Duchess arrived at the gallery slightly behind schedule, in a flurry of activity, and were quickly whisked inside.

But the hundreds who waited the hour while they toured the gallery were rewarded with William and Catherine chatting candidly to the crowd for about 10 minutes on their way out.

Realising I was in earshot of Kate, and unable to come up with anything more coherent, I blurted, ''George is gorgeous.''

Kate flashed her thousand-watt smile, and told me, ''I'm sorry we couldn't bring him with us. He's very noisy.''

Many have been disappointed that Prince George has been absent from the majority of the royal trip to Australia, but mother Joanna McKenzie-Kay, from Curtin, said she understands.

''Having small children myself, I wouldn't drag him around, the poor thing,'' she said.

And I was far from the only one blown away by the young couple, with many singing their praises as they departed.

Equalling my excitement, and still shaking from the experience, Gemma Benn, from Holt, even managed to get herself a royal handshake.

''They're just beautiful. William came up and shook my hand. I always had a crush on him growing up,'' she said.

''And then Kate took the flowers from me and asked what they were and said they were gorgeous. I started tearing up.''

While some from the crowd had seen a member of the royals visit the country before, Will and Kate in particular have proven to be incredibly popular.

Carolyn and Phil Murphy travelled several hours from Deniliquin specifically to see the Duke and Duchess in Canberra, and ranked it higher than their previous royal encounter.

''In 1986 I had Prince Philip wave to me,'' said Mrs Murphy.

''This was most definitely more exciting than that.''