The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have begun their seven day royal tour of New Zealand, beginning with a trip to pay their respects to the country’s fallen.
The couple have attended a touching ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in Wellington to kick off the first leg of their New Zealand/Australian tour, which will see them spend a week in each country.
Prime Minister John Key was present at Wellington airport to greet the pair who were also welcomed with a hongi, the traditional Maori greeting.
After spending a few days in Wellington, Charles and Camilla will travel to Dunedin, Nelson, Ngaruawahia, New Plymouth and Auckland.
Their trip will have them visit various institutions and cultural landmarks such as Tūrangawaewae Marae – the home of the Kingitanga. There, a waka armada of canoes will be presented on the Waikato – the country’s longest river.
Following this iconic demonstration, the pair will celebrate New Zealand’s Conservation Week with a visit to the Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary, which houses some of the country’s rarest birds, reptiles and plants.
Following their New Zealand trip, Camilla and Charles will travel to Australia where the Prince of Wales will see out his 67th birthday on a beach in Western Australia.
