Prince Charles, the eldest son of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on 14th November 1948, at Buckingham Palace. The announcement of his birth was conveyed through an encoded telegram from King George VI’s private secretary to the New Zealand Governor General, marking the beginning of a longstanding connection between the British royal family and New Zealand.

In 1970, Prince Charles embarked on his inaugural visit to New Zealand, accompanied by his parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and his sister Princess Anne. The royal family’s presence during the opening of the 36th New Zealand Parliament captured the nation’s attention, with newspapers detailing their attire and engagements.

Four years later, in 1974, Prince Charles returned to New Zealand for his second visit, joining his family for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and honoring New Zealand Day celebrations at Waitangi. His subsequent visit in 1981 saw him inaugurate the Royal New Zealand Police College and receive an honorary degree from the University of Otago, reflecting his commitment to public service and education.

The early 1980s also marked significant personal milestones for Prince Charles, as he married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, who became known as HRH The Princess of Wales. Together, they embarked on a royal tour of New Zealand in 1983, accompanied by their first son, Prince William.

However, their marriage faced challenges, and in 1992, it was announced that Prince Charles and Princess Diana had agreed to separate, leading to their divorce in 1996. Tragically, Princess Diana passed away in a car accident in 1997, leaving behind a profound legacy of humanitarian work.

 Despite personal upheavals, Prince Charles continued to maintain ties with New Zealand, visiting the country in 1994 and again in 2005. His commitment to fostering relationships was evident in his tours, which included visits to cultural landmarks and engagements with local communities.

 In 2005, Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, who became known as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Their joint visit to New Zealand in 2012, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, underscored the enduring bond between the British monarchy and New Zealand.

Subsequent visits in 2015 and 2019 saw the Duchess of Cornwall joining Prince Charles on engagements across New Zealand, reflecting their shared commitment to supporting charitable causes and strengthening diplomatic ties.

Prince Charles’ visits to New Zealand serve as a testament to the enduring relationship between the British royal family and the people of New Zealand, characterized by mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values.