Royal Tour Baby Rumours Spark Media Frenzy

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A white-knuckle boat ride, a vineyard visit, and a rugby game provided a hectic itinerary for William and Kate on their tour of New Zealand, as rumours swirled there could be a new addition to the royal household.

Speculation there may be another baby on the way was sparked after the Duke of Cambridge apparently told a woman who knitted a shawl for Prince George she "might have to make another one soon".

But the hype was dampened down somewhat after the couple went on a jet boat ride which passengers are advised to avoid if they are pregnant.

The Duchess had also sipped wine during a visit to a vineyard, suggesting the pitter patter of more tiny feet was not imminent.

The jet boat's captain Wayne Paton told Sky News: "It is in our safety brief that we have to ask if anyone is pregnant, back injuries, anything else medically that they think they should tell us, and I asked that and there was no answer from anyone, so I took it that would be a no."

The royal couple, who had flown to Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island, had the full tourist experience during the hair-raising trip on the fast flowing Shotover River, which is one of the country's most popular attractions.

Mr Paton, who drove the boat designed to be able to speed along in water just a few inches deep, said: "They loved it. There were some screams but not from them."

Earlier, the Duke and Duchess had toured a winery.

The pair sampled the pinot noir made at the Amisfield Winery near Queenstown.

Prince William joked that he and his wife should "probably stop talking and start drinking", as they began the tasting.

The Duke was also able to level the score with his wife after coaching a children's "Rippa Rugby" team to victory over opponents led by Kate.

It followed a drubbing he had received last week at the hands of the the Duchess, after she comprehensively beat him in a yachting challenge.

He could not help teasing his wife and looked in her direction and said: "Next time, next time."

The royal couple were casually dressed for the event with Kate in a cream jumper by Jonathan Saunders, white blouse, dark leggings and pumps, while William had a similar outfit of sweater, shirt and trousers.

Their day's schedule had also seen them do a walkabout following a Palm Sunday church service at St Paul's Cathedral in Dunedin.

They are undertaking a 19-day official visit to New Zealand and Australia with Prince George.

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