The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, will visit New Zealand later this month, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says.
She will be travelling to New Zealand at the request of the NZ Army's Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals, which she is Colonel in Chief of. She will attend its 100th anniversary celebrations at Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North.
"It's terrific that Her Royal Highness will be able to connect with past and present members of the Corps and acknowledge the importance of signallers within New Zealand Defence Force operations over the last 100 years," the Prime Minister said.
She will be accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
"The Princess Royal will undertake other engagements during her visit, including attending an Act of Remembrance (wreath laying) at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Her Royal Highness will also rededicate the War Memorial at Cathedral Square in Christchurch."
"The Princess Royal last visited New Zealand in 2010. I look forward to welcoming Princess Anne back to Aotearoa."
Princess Anne's brother, King Charles, earlier on Thursday sent New Zealand a message following the catastrophic floods.
"It is with the deepest concern that I have been following news of the flooding and severe weather affecting several regions in Aotearoa New Zealand," he said.
"Above all, my wife and I wanted to send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and our special thoughts are with the many others whose livelihoods have been so terribly impacted by these devastating floods.
"I have long admired the strength and resourcefulness of New Zealanders, and my most heartfelt prayers are with all those who are supporting the response and recovery efforts to help people repair and restore their homes and businesses.
"Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast."
