Eskimo kiss or traditional “Hongi” greeting, Kate and William pressed noses with leaders from New Zealand.
They were met by Maori leaders Lewis Moeau and Hira Hape, and after carrying out the hongi the royal couple were confronted by 35 semi-naked toa warriors who performed a challenge called a wero to determine whether the Duke and Duchess were friends or foes.
The Duchess looked slightly startled as three of the toa picked up spears and advanced on them shouting war cries. One of the warriors then placed a dart called a rake tapu at the Duke’s feet, which he picked up, maintaining eye contact with the toa, to prove his peaceful intent.
A very warm welcome for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge don’t you think?
