William refuses the royal treatment

Prime Minister John Key plans to hold a 'traditional Kiwi barbie' for Prince William. Photo / Getty Images

Prince William wants to be called "mate" when he tours New Zealand next year.

And he's specifically asked there be "no bowing and scraping" during the tour, according to UK press reports.

The 27-year old is visiting in January to open the new Supreme Court in Wellington before flying to Australia.

According to one newspaper, a Royal aide said the Prince wants "as little red-carpet fever as possible"

Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand chairman Lewis Holden dismissed the comments as a public relations stunt to promote William over his less popular father, Prince Charles.

And he said any attempt to make the monarchy appear more modern could backfire.

"If you take away all the things that are old-fashioned about the monarchy it takes away the things that people like about it."

Monarchy New Zealand chairman Professor Noel Cox said the request was in keeping with the rest of his family's relaxed mood to protocol. "He's a relatively down to earth person."

But Cox advised against calling the Prince "mate", saying it would be a sign of disrespect. He plans to call him "sir" if he gets to meet him.

Prime Minister John Key plans to hold a "traditional Kiwi barbie" for William, complete with lamb chops, tomato sauce and salads. Royal protocol is also changing in Britain.

The England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club announced in 2003 that tennis players competing at that year's Wimbledon would no longer be expected to bow or curtsy to the royal box.

When President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle went to Buckingham Palace in April, the First Lady and Queen slipped their arms around each other at the end of the evening.

But some habits are hard to change.

In 2008 the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips said she curtseys every time she meets her grandmother.

Politicians have been scolded for not obeying royal protocol.

Helen Clark was criticised for wearing trousers instead of a gown and not saying grace at a state banquet for the Queen on her visit to New Zealand in 2002, while former Australian prime minister Paul Keating was branded the "Lizard of Oz" when he put his arm around the Queen during an official engagement to Australia in 1992.