"William-mania" hits Australia, New Zealand
Prince William made plenty of friends Down Under and looking every bit the future king as he wraps up a visit to disaster-stricken New Zealand, and Australia.
And as he headed back to London, all eyes, of course, were focused on the royal wedding, just 39 days away
While the Commonwealth of Australia hasn't been as supportive of the monarchy as some other areas, Prince William still got a great reception.
Complete coverage: The Royal Wedding
New Zealand: An earthquake hot zone
CBS News Royal Contributor Victoria Arbiter joins told "Early Show" co-anchor Erica Hill it was "a tremendous trip" for William. She pointed out that he didn't go to both countries just to enjoy himself, but that he was working. It was also an emotional five days for the prince, seeing the effects of the tragic earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
"Yesterday, he was even moved to tears when he met 11-year-old Blake Wright," Arbiter adds. "Blake's brother sacrificed himself in order that Blake be rescued first. And William, having lost his mother himself, he can well appreciate the grief that these people are experiencing. On top of that, he's a search and rescue pilot, so he can really identify with what's going on Down Under."
With the help of these important connections, Prince William seems to be filling into his role nicely. "It's ultimately interesting to watch him on these visits that we've seen him do over the last couple of weeks," Hill observed. "He seems much more at ease than he used to at these appearances. Almost as if he's enjoying himself."
"He does," Arbiter responded. "I think he's actually really enjoyed this interaction with the public. Whether that is Kate's influence, I'm not sure. But he's much more confident. As he gets more defined within the royal family, I think there's going to be great things for him," Arbiter says.
Although this trip included touring disaster areas, which made it a very somber occasion in many ways, there were lighter moments, as well. William was seen smiling and seemed excited about his upcoming nuptials. The royal wedding has plenty of focus in New Zealand and Australia. In fact, Prince William brought it up a few times along with people in the crowd.
"That's right. There has been William-mania," Arbiter remarked. "Everyone is so excited. And he pretty much encouraged the entire country to come and stand outside the Abbey and wave the Australian flag. One girl screamed out, 'Marry me, Prince William!' And he said, 'I'm sorry, you're too late!' He even hinted at returning to Australia for the honeymoon. If that doesn't pan out, he promised to go back very soon with Kate. I think they're going to be a very popular couple."
What's the latest on preparations?
"London is getting pretty," Arbiter says. "Right behind me (she was outside Buckingham Palace), all the scaffolding has come down from the various places they've been cleaning. Flags have gone up. ... Tomorrow, I'm going to reveal the carriage that William and Kate will take from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace."
"Ooh, I can't wait for that!" Hill exclaimed.