Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit New Zealand Part 1
The Duchess of Cornwall and her husband, the Prince of Wales, are currently visiting New Zealand on an official tour of the country. It it Charles and Camilla's third time visiting the country together, while Charles has visited several times since his first tour of the country in 1970. To catch up on their first few days in the country, continue reading.
Day 1
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall began their tour at Mount Roskill War Memorial with a wreath laying ceremony before visiting the Niue Memorial. The Memorial recognizes 150 Niueans who lost their lives during World War I as part of the 3rd Maori Contingent.
Charles and Camilla then visited the Wesley Community Centre and toured the facilities. The Centre was opened in 2003 after teenagers campaigned for a central meeting place for their local community, The Prince and Duchess met locals who used the centre before continuing on to meet participants of the Tatau Dance Academy. The Academy teacheds traditional dance to boys and young men.
Prince Charles visited Critical Design to learn about the work they are doing turning plastic into materials that can be used for other products before reuniting with the Duchess of Cornwall at Hunting Lodge Winery. The winery was the first place that Sauvignon Blanc grapes were grown in New Zealand and Charles and Camilla learned more about the history of wine in the region.
To conclude a busy first day, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales attended the Queen's Colour Ceremony and reception at Whenuapai Airbase. The Prince of Wales gave a speech at the event after overseeing the presentation of the Colour.
Day 2
To begin day 2 of their tour, the Prince and Duchess met with members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Government House and were given a traditional Maori welcome. They met with the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and the Chief of the defence force Air Marshal Kevin Short. The Prince went on to meet the leader of the opposition, Simon Bridges while the Duchess joined a domestic violence round-table.
At Shine (Safer Homes in New Zealand Everyday) Camilla met with survivors and campaigners for a discussion on domestic abuse. Continuing with her work in supporting women, the Duchess returned to Government House for a series of discussions and round tables with Women of the World. The event was hosted by Dame Patsy Reddy, government general of new Zealand with the Duchess attending in her role as President of Southbank Centre.
Camilla and Charles reunited to visit the Team Headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron who will compete in America's Cup in 2021. Their Royal Highnesses finished the second day of Royal Visit New Zealand with a reception hosted at Government House. The Duchess looked incredible in a navy jumpsuit, a departure from her traditional style but effortlessly pulled the trendy style off.
Look out for a post on the second half of Royal Visit New Zealand. xx