Preparations for a royal visit to New Zealand and Australia have been underway this week as Prince William's arrival in the countries draws nearer. While most are happy welcome the prince his visit—as all royal visits abroad seem to—has inspired more searching questions on whether or not the nations wish to continue as monarchies. A protest (that is to include New Zealand MPs is) planned during William's opening of the Supreme Court building in Wellington on Monday will leave William in no doubt that not everyone in New Zealand want him as their future monarch; although protestors insist that its nothing personal and—unlike the scenes which met Prince Charles in Quebec-it will be a peaceful protest.
Republican Movement president Lewis Holden said, "Really, I think he is sort of irrelevant to New Zealand so we don't really have a thing against him, as such. We've told our supporters that this is all about a peaceful, positive protest. It's just us exercising our democratic rights.
"We're not saying 'go home', we're just putting out a positive message which is, 'it's time for a republic'."
William will land in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday where he will be greeted by the Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Prime Minister John Key. William will then tour Eden Park to see preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup before going on to Viaduct Harbour for some sailing. He will finish his first day with a traditional Hangi meal at Government House. The Hangi will feature such local delicacies as Titi bird and seaweed. Entertainment will be provided by New Zealand musicians Dave Dobbyn and Che-Fu.
On Monday William will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington before opening the Supreme Court building as the Queen's representative. Afterwards he will meet members of the public (though I daresay he's likely to avoid those holding protest banners). That night William will enjoy a barbecue with the Prime Minister and his wife.
Tuesday William will visit the Wellington Children's Hospital before departing for Australia.
Although he will be carrying out a number of royal duties in Australia William's three day visit is largely unofficial and although the Queen is covering the costs—as she did during Prince Harry's official visit to New York City—he will not be representing her during his stay. William will be met in Sydney by New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir and Premier Kristina Keneally, before heading for a formal lunch with Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
William, who I sincerely still has an appetite left after having been so well fed in New Zealand, is scheduled to attend a barbecue with 100 other guests at the Royal Botanic Gardens. While in Sydney and Melbourne he will meet with Young Australian of the Year nominees, surf lifesavers, indigenous Australians and representatives from the Ambulance Service, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service and police.
During his visit William will meet Aboriginal elders Mr Michael Mundine and Mr Rob Welsh who hope the prince will be able to return the remains of aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy who’s head was sent to the UK in 1802. A number of such remains have been returned to Australia from various British museums over the years but Pemulwuy's remains seem to have gone missing and his descendents are anxious for them to be found and returned.
Believing the prince would understand their feelings because "he has mother's heart" the elders are hopeful that William will be able to help them. Mr Welsh said he believed the late princess Diana had raised William "to be respectful, and to understand what is important to our people".
Said Mr Mundine, "He is from a different generation and, because he is young, I think he will understand that Pemulwuy needs to come home to his lands."
He called the prince’s scheduled visit to their Redfern community, "a blessing, and it's a sign of respect they are showing us. Royalty coming to Redfern, of all places. When you think what we've been through at the Block, with its reputation, and now this well-respected young man is coming to see us.
"We are pleased to have him, we will make him welcome. We can't blame him for the past. What we can do is showcase our community."
Click here to discuss details of his New Zealand visit
Click here to discuss details of his Australia visit