Full coverage: Royals visit New Plymouth, Auckland

  • 09/11/2015
Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (Reuters)
Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (Reuters)

Prince Charles and Camilla have arrived in New Plymouth after a delayed start to their trip.

The royal couple were expected to arrive in New Plymouth at 11:30am today, and then to take part in a Tea with Taranaki event at Brooklands Park at 12.25pm, but that was pushed back an hour after low cloud delayed their flight from Auckland.

Around 500 guests were waiting for the royals in New Plymouth, with the city experiencing dry but overcast conditions.

The royals spent their first public engagement of the day at a special garden party at Brooklands Park.

After tea, the couple went for a public walk, passing the hundreds of people, many waving New Zealand flags and Union Jacks, who had been patiently waiting for a glimpse of them, before the Prince of Wales headed to Te Rewa Bridge and the Coastal Walkway and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the Len Lye Centre.

Within minutes of entering the new art centre, Camilla had her eye on Universe, a kinetic scuplture by Lye made from a steel band and ball. She was so taken with it, she asked director Simon Rees if she could touch it, and was given permission.

She also met wit around 10 children who were making musical instruments inspired by Lye's work and spoke with them about their creations.

A proposed visit by Camilla to the Fernery in Pukekura Park was cancelled due to lack of time.

The couple returned to Auckland around 4pm to meet with Labour leader Andrew Little and Prime Minister John Key.

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