The Duchess of Cambridge officially opened Hampton Court Palace's Magic Garden this week, and took a tour of the new children's play area.

Kate Middleton walked around the garden on May 4, looking at the battlements, towers, secret grotto and a number of mythical beasts for children to play with.

The garden sits on the site of King Henry VIII's former Tiltyard in the grounds of the palace, and include as 25ft long sleeping dragon which breathes smoke.

The designer, Chelsea award winner Robert Myers, worked with palace gardeners to create an eye catching and elaborate design.

The concept has been six years in the making, with gardeners planting more than 17,000 bulbs and 3,000 shrubs to create the garden.

The Duchess was given a tour of the entire garden, which took inspiration from the myths and legends of the Tudor Court. 

Throughout the walking tour she chatted with children who were playing in the garden, including a young boy with a 

Surrey Comet:

Olivia, 8, said: "She asked us what lessons we were missing and we spoke about our school.

"She asked if we were having fun.

"She looked in the dragons mouth, her legs got a bit wet.

Surrey Comet:

"It was a surprise, they told us yesterday we would see her. We were all really excited.

"She's really pretty and she looks like a very rich person. She was very nice."

Following the walking tour, she unveiled a plaque to celebrate the garden's official opening.