Royals touch down in Sydney ... briefly

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have touched down in Sydney this morning with Prince George on his first ever visit to Australia – but the royal trio only stayed for a few minutes.

Prince William and Kate carried their son onto the tarmac at Sydney International Airport this morning for a fleeting visit to Australia.

The apparently joyful royal baby waved his arms as he was nursed by his mother, wearing a long-sleeved grey dress, before the trio boarded a New Zealand military jet destined for Wellington.

Prince William carried a few bags – including one with a stuffed toy inside – from a black car that escorted them to the private air strip before they jetted across the Tasman Sea.

They were only in Sydney to board the connecting flight across the ditch to begin their 10-day visit of New Zealand.

The royals return to Australia on April 16 for a longer visit, which will also be the first for Kate.