Prince Charles arrived safely in Wellington from Dunedin about 4.40pm tonight and is now at Government House for a formal welcome.
Superintendent Rob Pope, Wellington District Commander, and national commander of the police security operation, says the arrival of His Royal Highness at the Military Terminal was low key.
About 20 members of the public watched the airport arrival and further 150 were outside the gates of Government House as the Royal motorcade passed by.
Traffic was more congested than usual in the inner city and main arterials to the eastern and southern suburbs as police patrol staff blocked off intersections to facilitate the motorcade's progress.
"The arrival went smoothly from our point of view," says Superintendent Pope. "We do however thank motorists for their patience."
Traffic was still heavy at 5.45pm but clearing.
Tomorrow at 10am Prince Charles will be visiting the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Buckle Street to lay a wreath. This will be followed by a visit late morning to the Wellington City Art Gallery for a design launch. There's an opportunity for members of the public to see Prince Charles if they're in the Civic Centre when His Royal Highness arrives just before 11am, and again when he leaves for the Te Omanga Hospice in Lower Hutt at 12.30pm.
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