Unflappable on tour, but Prince avoids flap at home

Prince Andrew with soldiers at Linton. He is due to visit Wellington and Nelson in the next few days. Picture / Mark Mitchell

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, began his four-day New Zealand visit yesterday, but all the excitement was happening at home.

The Duke, who arrived at the Linton Army Camp near Palmerston North by helicopter, was greeted by a Maori challenge from the 2nd Logistic Battalion Maori culture group.

Prince Andrew then reviewed a parade of the battalion.

He exchanged hongi with Defence Minister Mark Burton, Army chief Major General Jerry Mateparae and several soldiers before joining them for a barbecue.

Meanwhile back in Britain, two people - thought to be television journalists - have been caught trying to break into the grounds of the Prince's home in Berkshire.

The man and woman were seen climbing over a fence at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the Sun newspaper reported.

A police source said they worked for a TV company.

"This incident was treated like an attempt at a security breach story," the source said.

"It was a pretty stupid thing to do.

"Our officers are armed and on the lookout for potential terrorists."

Prince Andrew will visit the Army Logistic Regiment at Trentham in Wellington today.

He has held the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment since its formation in 1996. It is known as The Duke of York's Own.

- NZPA