Sep 29, 2005, 17:19 GMT
Britain's Prince Andrew was given a traditional Maori greeting as he arrived in New Zealand yesterday (28.09.05).
The royal pressed noses with Defence Minister Mark Burton, Army chief Major General Jerry Mateparae and several soldiers in the customary 'hongi' greeting at the Linton Army Camp near the town of Palmerston North.
The Duke of York also reviewed a parade of the camp's 2nd Logistic Battalion with Warrant Office Graham Purvis.
For the rest of his four-day trip, Andrew will also visit the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), of which the prince is the Colonel-in-Chief.
He will then meet with the 3rd Logistic Battalion near the town of Nelson, where he will launch the Battle of Trafalgar 200th anniversary celebrations on Saturday (01.10.05).
However, despite his whirlwind visit, sources say Prince Andrew will still find time to participate in his favourite pastime - golf.
According to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, the 45-year-old royal is planning to play at the Cape Kidnappers golf course in Hawke's Bay.
A Buckingham Palace insider revealed: "It comes as part of Andrew's role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army. He has a cast-iron excuse to go out there and of course he's at liberty to play golf in his leisure time."
Copyright 2005 BANG Media International
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