Low cloud delays royal arrival

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greet fans during a walk around Aotea Square on November 8, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo / Michael Bradley

Low cloud has delayed the arrival of Their Royal Highness's the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall into New Plymouth today.

The royal couple are now expected to attend Tea with Taranaki at 1.30pm, according to officials.

But the inclement weather has not deterred the 500 guests who are enjoying the atmosphere while they wait.

With dry but overcast weather, guests dressed in their finest are mingling while listening to songs from a kapa haka group consisting of pupils from John Bosco and Sacred Heart schools.

A small but hardy group of royal fans are already in place along the walkway where Prince Charles and Camilla will walk to their car at the end of the event.

"I really want to see them as they are royal," said Catherine Frew, 8, who is waiting patiently with her sister Emma, and cousins Oliver, William and Hamish Jull.

A statement from the Department of Internal Affairs, which organises royal visits, said the royal couple's flight from Auckland to New Plymouth was delayed due to low cloud.

"They are now on their way and a very much looking forward to the visit," the statement said.

"They are expected to arrive at Tea with Taranaki at 1.30pm."