Kate Middleton

Queensland

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge greets people during a visit to South Bank. Photo: PATRICK HAMILTON

Waiting for Kate is an interesting process.

One must have stamina, water, a fully charged phone, patience and a ready cheer.

But for the 10,000 or so who lined Brisbane's South Bank, hoping for a glimpse, a word or a touch from the royal couple, the 20 minutes their Highnesses spent saying hello was well worth the eight hour wait under a sweltering Brisbane sky.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is swamped by supporters at South Bank. Photo: Harrison Saragossi

To the chants of 'Kate, Kate, Kate', the couple smiled and strode, strode and smiled for the 100 metre walk, zig-zagging to each side of the marked out area, trying to meet as many of their fans as possible. Flowers, enough to fill at least 12 boxes, footballs, Easter presents and books for the young prince were passed to the couple, while a Jazz Music Institute quartet gave the walk a carnival atmosphere.

But while a word from William was welcomed, it was the Duchess who commandeered the crowd's attention.

By the time her size 8.5 navy high heels touched Brisbane soil, her blue Lasa Poppy print dress by English designer L.K. Bennett had already sold out. They call it the 'Kate-effect' in England. In Brisbane, she of the coveted hair and copied wardrobe had an overwhelming effect on the crowd - a word or two from the Duchess had many floating on air more than a hour later.

Julie Pon was so entranced, she forgot to get a photo, despite her best friend Chloe Smith's repeated whacks to the shoulder.

"I was hitting her, saying turn around, turn around, when she was talking to the Duchess, but I don't think she even noticed," Ms Smith said.

"We gave her some Tim Tams, a five pack, and I said to her 'I got you a present, you might want to dip that in Milo for a slam'," Ms Pon said.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge greets the crowd, Photo: Harrison Saragossi

"And she said 'I'm going to need that later'. It was amazing. She is so beautiful. She's amazing on screen, but in person, she's like a million out of 100."

But young British ex-pat Isobel O'Keefe, who waited hours in the hot Queensland sun for a chance meeting never afforded her in the UK, had a different take to many there.

"She is very pretty," she said.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge farewells fans. Photo: Harrison Saragossi

"I think she is lucky to have Prince William."

In the age of the selfie, there was just as many phones pointed at the royal couple as there was heads straining to get into the shot with the Duke and Duchess in the background.

Laura Glassey's red wide brimmed hat caught the Duke's attention.

"He shook my hand and told me he liked my hat," she said.

"He is lovely, he is beautiful. [His hand], was quite soft. Very manicured."

About 90 minutes before the royals emerged from their reception, 10-month-old Grace Farrelly became the hottest media ticket in town.

Through the pink shirt her mum Kristy had finished making just that morning, Grace asked George to marry her.

The media contingent following the royals snapped to attention and turned their lenses her way; Grace held up well under her first major media engagement, obediently grabbing an Australian flag and waving it at the cameras.

Five minutes after the 'Royal visits 1' car pulled out of Southbank, the crowd had dispersed, leaving a right royal mess. Workers moved in to clear the debris thousands of people standing in one place for an entire day leaves behind.

"That's what they call a royal debris," one passerby said, picking his way through the empty bottles abandoned posters and fluttering plastic Australian flags.

"Someone always has to clean up the mess from the glitter and glamour."