Prince George will visit NZ - secret slips

Britain's Prince George at three months old. Rumour has it the future King will join his parents on their NZ visit in April. Photo / AP

An Australian official has let slip that Prince George will travel Down Under with his parents William and Kate in April and the family will visit Sydney and Canberra.

Australia's incoming governor-general Peter Cosgrove met the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday ahead of officially becoming her representative in late March.

The two had a wide-ranging discussion about the much-anticipated trip to New Zealand and Australia.

"That's going to be a very welcome visit," General Cosgrove told reporters afterwards.

"They'll bring with them Prince George the little one.

"They'll be in Sydney and then in Canberra after their sojourn in New Zealand."

Immediately asked if he'd inadvertently let slip that Prince George was definitely heading Down Under, the former defence chief back-pedalled somewhat.

"I hope he's coming," he said.

'I don't know - I'm not yet the governor-general.

"I think every Aussie who likes the idea of royal couples having their children with them on tour will hope that's the case, but let's wait and see."

In announcing the Australian and New Zealand tour in December, the palace said it was anticipated Prince George would accompany the Duke and Duchess "but a decision will be made in due course".

A Kensington Palace spokesman, when asked about General Cosgrove's comments, said the program for the Duke and Duchess's tour would be announced by the royal household and the Australian and New Zealand governments "in due course".

It's expected an announcement will be made in the next fortnight.

- AAP