Kiwis would benefit commercially and personally if newlywed royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were to visit New Zealand on a royal tour, Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The Prime Minister couldn't confirm speculation that the couple were keen on visiting New Zealand during a major international tour planned for later this year.
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"We have a long-standing invitation for the Royal Family to visit New Zealand," Ms Ardern said.
"We don't have anything specific in place around what there's been speculation around. I'm sure, if that was a decision made by the royal couple, they would be warmly welcomed."
UK media reports planning for a high-profile trip down under is already underway, with officials involved at the highest level. The visit is expected to take place in October.
Other countries reportedly included in the tour are Australia, Fiji and Tonga.
Ms Ardern said New Zealand always needs to be prepared for the Royal Family to visit any time they choose.
"Of course they would be most welcome here, but that's a decision for them," she said.
Ms Ardern added there would be personal and commercial benefits if the royal couple were to visit.
"There's always benefits for New Zealand when we have a member of the Royal Family visit," she explained.
"I'd say that at both the community level - just the level of engagement the royal family always undertake when they come here at every level - right down to children's hospitals and visits to Christchurch, their impact is felt widely.
"So no doubt, both a personal benefit - but also a commercial one."
Newshub.
