Prince William Begins Tour of New Zealand

Prince William began his two-day official visit to New Zealand Sunday morning local time. With little fanfare, he was greeted by Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Anand Satyanand at the Auckland International Airport. New Zealand is the first stop on the Prince’s five day tour of the Oceania area. An Australian visit is set for Tuesday.

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This tour is meant to give the second-in-line to the British throne a chance to get to know the two countries. It also may be an opportunity to reignite interest in the monarchy in a place where calls for a republic are growing ever louder.

On Sunday, Prince William will go to Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland where he will meet the team All Blacks. He will also hear about plans for next year’s rugby World Cup.

William will also experience a traditional Maori “hangi” meal cooked in a pit in the ground.

The Prince’s visit is largely informal. He himself requested there be no bowing or curtseying, as is wont to happen when there’s a royal present.

The New Zealand and Austrlian visit is Prince William’s first overseas tour representing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.