Editorial: Charles and Camilla not our choice of royalty

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall line-up with the All Blacks on Parliament Steps Street in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

There's been two main stories dominating headlines this week, with both involving right royal welcomes.

Yesterday the two collided as our most beloved royalty - the All Blacks - came face-to-face with an actual, honest-to-goodness prince.

And it may just have been the latter who was the most star-struck as Prince Charles joined the thousands in Wellington cheering on the returning world champions.

Aside from that photo opportunity, the visit by Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall has failed to generate anywhere near the hoopla and excitement a royal visit may have done once upon a time.

Especially here in the Bay of Plenty, which wasn't one of the regions given the honour (or not - depending which side of the royalist argument you stand) of hosting the couple.

The lack of enthusiasm is a sign of the times and the changing definition of what it is to be a New Zealander. For the younger generations, there is no longer the feeling of the queen being 'our' queen or her son being 'our' prince. Our forefathers may have fought for their king, but 100 years ago European New Zealanders were much more closely tied to the 'old country' so it's understandable and admirable they did so.

With the passing of time, New Zealand has formed its own cultural identity. Kiwis come from all over the world, and that identity is a result of mixing the unique Maori culture with the little bits of the world migrants have brought with them. It's fair to say that to most Kiwis members of the royal family are no more special than anyone else.

But that ambivalence doesn't necessarily have to mean a burning desire to dump the monarchy and become a republic. It's symbolic in pretty much all senses, and the Commonwealth ties come in handy sometimes.

The historical links with the monarchy has helped shape New Zealand into what it is today, and what we are still evolving into. Why deny it? Charles and Camilla seem like decent enough sorts, as far as I'm concerned they're more than welcome and I hope they enjoy their holiday.

But I reckon even they would happily admit it's Richie, Sonny Bill, Dan and co we hold dearest. For this week anyway, it is they who are undoubtedly the nation's princes.