Prince Harry began his week-long tour of New Zealand earlier today, landing in Wellington.
He was greeted by the Governor General of New Zealand, Jerry Mateparae, Prime Minister John Key, and other dignitaries.
#PrinceHarry disembarks the front stairs and is welcomed to #Wellington #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/XaSbfVpReK
— Governor-General NZ (@GovGeneralNZ) May 9, 2015
Harry then travelled to Government House for an official welcome to the country, which became a part of the British Empire in 1907. The welcome included a traditional Maori haka dance, and then a wero, a ceremonial challenge, to see if the visitor comes in peace or is hostile.
The day did not end there for the 30-year-old, who then went to the National War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony beginning at half 4. Harry laid a wreath in the Hall of Memories, then observed a playing of the Last Post. Harry’s wreath bore the words “In memory of all those who have paid the ultimate price and in grateful recognition of those who have served NZ”.
The evening proved a little more informal, with Harry attending a rugby game. The Hurricanes played the Sharks at Westpac Stadium, with the Hurricanes winning; Kensington Palace proceeded to tweet a picture of the Prince with the team and the hashtag ‘Harrycanes’.
Harry also received a rugby shirt for himself and a babygrow for his niece, Princess Charlotte, from Conrad Smith.
.@Hurricanesrugby captain Conrad Smith presents Prince Harry with a rugby shirt and a babygro for Princess Charlotte pic.twitter.com/bHjz26IHWw
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 9, 2015
The crowds were out in their droves to meet the Prince, with some journalists suggesting there were more people there than for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who toured the country just over 12 months ago.
Harry has a busy week ahead of him, and The Crown Chronicles will of course, keep you updated on the Prince’s activities.
Feature photo: UKTI
