YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. A wide-eyed Prince George got to meet Father Christmas at the weekend during a surprise family visit to a winter wonderland.

The 17-month-old future king clapped his hands in excitement as he toured Santa’s Magical Journey at Thursford, close to the family’s new country home in Norfolk with his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

As reports “Armenpress” citing Daily Mail, members of the public couldn’t believe their eyes as the royal party, who had booked their tickets (£15 for children and £9.50 for adults) in advance, toured the popular attraction with a discreet coterie of bodyguards.

The young prince gazed in awe at animated reindeer, penguins, polar bears and elves set among twinkling lights, tinsel and fake snow during his hour long visit.

He also got to see real life elves hard at work making toys in Santa’s workshop and met giant-sized teddy bears preparing to load presents into his sleigh for delivery on Christmas Eve.

The highlight of his festive treat, however, was when he summoned up the courage to toddle through a magical forest and go into Father Christmas’s house so he could meet the great man himself.

George had the chance to chat to Father Christmas while William and Kate stood beside him and was given a gift-wrapped wooden train as a present – an ideal present for the youngster who loves his ‘choo choos’. 

Staff were only told that they were getting an unofficial Royal visit shortly before their arrival with other members of the Middleton family.

William and Kate, who is pregnant with her second child, were given a standard timed slot on arrival and queued patiently with other parents.

General manager, Geraldine Rye, said: ‘George seemed to have a lovely time. When I saw him, he was walking around.

‘It was a private visit and they were not given any special treatment. We only knew shortly beforehand that they were coming.

‘They went around the winding path in our exhibition centre and would have seen animated animals like polar bears, penguins and reindeers as well as elves and snowmen. 

It just goes to show that the Duchess really is down to earth as she had no qualms about showing up at her local winter wonderland attraction, nor did she have qualms about wearing a high street coat when she visited NYC recently.

Kate donned a bespoke amethyst coloured coat by British maternity wear label Seraphine, which she teamed with black opaque tights, ankle boots, and a clutch bag.

Seraphine is a high-street brand that the Duchess was spotted wearing during her first pregnancy. Whilst this coat was made to measure, and therefore not available to buy, you can buy a similar coat in navy from the Seraphine website (click right)

Jewel tones make for a great winter choice, and the added sparkle in Kate’s coat gives this look a festive feel.

If you’re inspired by Kate’s look and want a purple coat of your own, check out the below options including collarless cover-ups from New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Vionett and ASOS starting from just £37.