Ramble: Duchess Kate’s DVF dress sells out in 8 minutes

I'm up against a deadline for my next book, which is why it's been a little quieter 'round these parts recently. So, consider this a Mini Ramble: Duchess Kate in Australia edition! I just saw while procrastinating from writing the book (obviously) that the blue and white Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress that Duchess Kate wore today ...

The Duchess has landed! William, Kate and George arrive in New Zealand for Royal Tour

I’ll admit it: I’ve been suffering from Duchess Kate fatigue recently.

I don’t know what did me in: maybe it was the baby-making, maybe it was the increasingly dowdy, Queen-approved outfits, or maybe it was the simple fact that we haven’t seen as much of her recently. Whatever the case, I wasn’t feeling the Duch and was craving a little royalty sparkle.

But then she flew to Australia and New Zealand yesterday with Prince William and Baby George, and all was forgiven.

Prince George is all grown-up in new photo! (Well, no longer a blob, at least.)

Well, what have we here? A relaxed, “Royals! They’re just like us!” photo of Duchess Kate, Prince William, Prince George, and Lupo the Dog? Yes, indeed.

Lest you think Prince William and Co. go around spontaneously releasing adorable private snaps of themselves to the press on the regular, this latest cuteness blitz is perfectly timed a week before Will and Kate hit Australia and New Zealand for a 3-week tour. The family arrives April 7th in one of my favorite cities, Wellington, New Zealand.