Britain’s Prince Harry has promised "it won’t be that long" before he returns to New Zealand.
The prince has spent the last week travelling around the country and finished off his trip by giving a speech at a reception for emergency services personnel at Auckland’s Government House, during which he vowed to come back to the country at some point in the near future.
He said: "I would like to end by thanking everyone who I’ve met over the last week for a hugely warm welcome, it really has been a lot of fun. And while it took me 30 years to make it to New Zealand for the first time, it certainly won’t be that long before I’m back again."
During his trip, he has visited several schools and youth projects, as well as meeting representatives from the country’s military, and politicians.
And although his speech at the reception had a sombre tone as he talked about how the nation reacted to the devastating Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and how more recently, volunteers had travelled to Nepal to help with earthquake relief, he still managed to make some jokes at his own expense, describing himself as a "failed explorer".
Speaking about his visit to the country, the 30-year-old bachelor said: "I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the Kiwis from the Queen, from my father, and more recently from my brother and sister-in-law following their time here with George last year. I can’t believe it’s taken me over 30 years to get here, but I’m delighted to have finally made it, without sounding like some sort of explorer … a failed explorer!"
Prince Harry has promised to return to New Zealand
