The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in New Zealand for their royal visit, but it has been mired slightly by a controversy over the couple's choice of baby seat for the future King George.

The problems arose when Plunket, the country's national childcare advisory agency, issued images of one of their employees fitting a Maxi-Cosi baby seat in the official royal car.

The image seemed innocent enough – but parents quickly noted that the seat was front-facing, rather than rear-facing – the fitting direction advised by Plunket for under-twos in order to reduce whiplash risk.

According to the manufacturer, the seat is designed for babies aged 9 months and above; Prince George is a little younger.

Front-facing seats can be used with children aged “about one year old”, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Among the many angry comments on Plunket's Facebook page, was one from Janelle Fletcher: “If it was any one of us New Zealanders we would have got a horrible look from passers-by…is it because they are royals that you seem to think rules don’t apply?”

Plunket was quick to point out that the Duke and Duchess selected the seat, an assertion backed up by Kensington Palace.

Plunket's Jenny Prince said: "While Plunket recommend that children stay in rear-facing seats until age two, it is not a legal requirement.”

While rules and regulations in New Zealand are comparable to those in the UK, it is important to be aware of domestic rules on baby seats. And if you are planning a road trip in another country, it is good advice to be aware if the applicable regulations.

Find out more on UK rules here: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules