New Zealand PM welcomes planned visit of Duke and Duchess of Sussex

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday welcomed confirmation that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will make their first official visit together to New Zealand around the time of the Invictus Games in October in Sydney.

"It's wonderful news that the Duke and Duchess are coming to New Zealand as part of their first major tour outside the United Kingdom and I look forward to welcoming them here," Ardern said in a statement.

Prince Harry really enjoyed his last visit to New Zealand in 2015 and New Zealanders will want the Duchess of Sussex to also experience the warm hospitality on her first visit here as a member of the royal family, Ardern said.

The visit is still in the planning stage and further details regarding dates and the itinerary will be released closer to their arrival.