Prince Charles of Wales, and his wife Camilla, better known as the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived to wet and chilly weather starting their seven day tour of New Zealand, according to Radio New Zealand. The royal couple arrived aboard a Royal New Zealand Air force aircraft. Upon disembarking, the duchess had to clutch her umbrella tightly in the strong winds and falling rain.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key received them at the airport, before heading to the Government House for an official reception.
Once the couple has spent a few days in Wellington, they are expected to visit other places like New Plymouth, Auckland, before ending up in Turangawaewae Marae, according to The BBC. Turangawaewae Marae is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, and is home to the Maori monarchs who ruled long before the British came.
The prince and the duchess will end their stay by visiting Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary, which is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in New Zealand. This visit coincides with New Zealand's conservation week.
From New Zealand, the couple is expected to head to Australia where they will meet the country's prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, according to The Telegraph.
Their encounter will be interesting to watch, considering that Turnbull is a republican who previously questioned Australia's ties with the British monarchy. Turnbull was once the leader of the Republican Movement in Australia, which in 1999 initiated a referendum to end ties with the monarchy.
Fifty-five percent of Australians voted against the move then.
The royal couple and Turnbull are expected to share the podium on Nov. 11, when Australia marks Remembrance Day in Canberra.
