Prince William and Kate turned up for a rodeo show decked out in white cowboy hats and full western regalia on their Canadian tour -- after initially appearing to snub their hosts by failing to don the traditional headgear.

The royal couple, on their first official overseas tour since their April wedding, landed at Calgary's airport yesterday, where they were scheduled to try on the white cowboy hats.

But the pair opted out after Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, himself sporting a cowboy hat, presented them. The incident set the microblogging site Twitter abuzz and was a rare misstep for the young royals, who have charmed Canadians at every stop of their tour.

Miguel Head, a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, said the couple were looking forward to wearing the hats and "in no way are they snubbing what is a very honoured gift."

Sure enough, hours later the royal couple sported the hats as they arrived in western wear on a stagecoach at the world-famous Calgary Stampede for a bull riding demonstration.

William and Kate both appeared in buttoned-down shirts and jeans. The duchess wore a printed white long-sleeved blouse by Alice Temperley, while the duke opted for a short-sleeved green, blue and white checkered shirt.

Laugh

"Well, this is different," the prince said with a laugh as he touched the tip of his cowboy hat at a reception later. "We have been hugely struck by the diversity of this beautiful country: from Ottawa to Quebec; from Prince Edward Island to the Northwest Territories; and now the excitement of Calgary -- and what about these fantastic white hats."

The couple's choice not to don the hats on the windy airport tarmac, however, raised a few eyebrows among those gathered to greet them.

The custom-made Smithbilt cowboy hats are Calgary's version of the key to the city. The white-hatting ceremony has been celebrated by dignitaries visiting Calgary for more than 60 years. Its honorees range from the Dalai Lama to TV personality Dr Phil.

Kate, who was having trouble keeping her primrose silk crepe dress by Jenny Packham down in the blustery conditions at the airport, focused her attention on a six-year-old cancer patient Diamond Marshall who presented her with flowers.

The young girl had written Kate a note from the hospital bed where she had watched the royal wedding.

hnews@herald.ie