Royal Visit New Zealand Officially Begins!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in New Zealand this afternoon for the final portion of their royal tour.

Kensington Palace noted the "programme will focus on youth leadership, and projects being undertaken by young people to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the region. The Duke and Duchess are particularly keen to highlight these youth-led initiatives in the Duke's new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, and to shine a light on the work and aspirations of young people across the Commonwealth."

Harry and Meghan travelled with a number of the New Zealand Invictus Games competitors on a Royal New Zealand AirForce flight for Wellington.

The couple received a very warm greeting by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Ahead of the visit, she said: "The Duke and Duchess have a particular interest in youth, mental health and conservation, and they will have the opportunity to meet many New Zealanders working in those important areas, while also getting to enjoy some of our unique environment."

The Prime Minister gave birth to a baby girl in June named Neve Te Aroha. Neve is an anglicised form of the Irish name Niamh, meaning "bright"; Aroha is Māori for "love", and Te Aroha is a mountain in the Kaimai Range, near Ardern's home town of Morrinsville. She was delighted to receive warm wishes on the arrival from members of the royal family. "It’s certainly mind-blowing receiving messages from Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Queen, that’s certainly not something you expect".

The PM with Invictus New Zealand co-captains Kelly and Gareth.

From the airport, Harry and Meghan attended the traditional welcome ceremony on the lawns of Government House. They were invited to hongi with the Governor-General’s Kuia and Kaumātua (Māori elders), before the pōwhiri, which included a haka performed by members of the New Zealand Defence Force.

The ceremony also included a 21-gun salute, and was attended by school children.

New Zealand's Government House.

Following the Pōwhiri, Harry participated in the Wero, an ancient warrior tradition of the Māori used to determine whether visitors have come in peace or with hostile intent.

They were welcomed by the Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David.

Prince Harry inspected a military guard at Government House.

Meeting a group of schoolchildren.

Harry and Meghan's next stop was the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

They laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and visited the newly unveiled UK War Memorial.

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park commemorates more than 300,000 New Zealanders who served their country and the 30,000 who died.

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park opened in time for Anzac Day 2015. It was the government’s key project to acknowledge the centenary of the First World War.

At almost five metres tall, the design of the UK memorial, takes the form of two of the United Kingdom and New Zealand’s most iconic trees. The trunks of a Royal Oak and a Pōhutakawa intertwine to form one single leafy canopy, where leaves from both trees merge to create sense of shelter - giving the memorial its name: Whakaruruhau. Standing at the plaque, between the branches a silhouette of a single soldier can be seen, representing the union of two countries who stood side by side and those millions who served in times of conflict, resolution and peace.

The Duke and Duchess view the memorial.

Harry was presented with the Badge in Gold, New Zealand’s highest honour given in recognition of his work with injured veterans, by RSA national president B.J. Clark. Meghan pinned it on her husband.

A video from the event.

A crowd of thousands gathered for walkabout.

I enjoyed this video, listening to several locals chatting about the visit.

A sea of signs awaited the Duke and Duchess.

Reporters on the scene described the atmosphere as "unbelievable" and "electric".

Harry and Meghan were delighted to meet local children.

I've noticed how excited girls and women are to meet Meghan in particular. Her views on empowerment resonate deeply with young women, something that's often mentioned to her when she meets them.

Hannah Furness shared a very sweet story from the walkabout: "Major brownie points for the mum who "got blunt" to get a picture with Sophie and Hope, both 10. "I just asked 'can I get a photo, can I get a photo?' and Harry said 'Yeah, sure!'"We've been here since 8 o'clock. There was a contemplation about staying overnight just for fun."

Sophie Walsh shared scenes from the walkabout.

More from Emily Andrews.

The Queen has made ten visits to New Zealand - the first of these came during Her Commonwealth Tour in 1953/1954. A reader noted Princess Diana's father, John Spencer is in the photo. He served as an equerry to the Queen from 1952-1954.

Today, the Sussexes began their own relationship with the country.

The Duchess sported the Banks trench by New Zealand designer Karen Walker. The £430 piece is described as: "A tailored coat with glam-meets-utility detail is a Karen Walker signature. Cut in a mid-weight plaid suiting, the Banks Trench features a traditional double-breasted front, exaggerated lapel and storm flap, co-ordinating button fastenings, and deep front pockets."

The Duchess debuted her first maternity style of the tour. Meghan arrived wearing the $56 ASOS Maternity Wiggle Mini Dress (with thanks to UFO No More). The boat neck LBD features a high-rise empire line. The non maternity version is available here.

The Wiggle dress is available in a variety of colours and lengths.

Meghan wore her trusty Sarah Flint Jay pumps.

And accessorised with her Birks Muse Citrine and Diamond drop earrings.

To view today's earlier post on Harry and Meghan's Sydney departure click here.

Tonight, the Duke and Duchess will attend a reception hosted by the Governor General celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.