KEY POINTS:
Prince Andrew met a princess with a difference at the International Down Syndrome Day function at Government House in Auckland yesterday.
Laura Blow, 5, who suffers from leukaemia as well as Down Syndrome, took a break from her chemotherapy treatment to give the Duke of York a painting drawn by one of her friends.
Her mother, Hannah Blow, said Laura was really excited to meet the Prince, and go and "have a party" after her British-born father explained who the Prince was.
"She came down, and she'd picked a dress to wear," said Mrs Blow. "She wanted to wear a tiara, but it had a piece which needed to be attached to hair, so we popped out for one in a different style. She said she was going to be a princess."
Prince Andrew attended the event, with Governor-General Anand Satyanand and his wife, Susan, who organised the event, at Government House.
"It's great to have Down Syndrome recognised by such a well-known patron," said Mrs Blow of the Governor-General.
Prince Andrew spent time during the event presenting awards to children who had made achievements despite their condition.
He will leave New Zealand tomorrow.
Unfortunately, Laura won't be waving him off - she'll be back in hospital for her next round of chemotherapy. "Every week she's been jabbed and stuck," said Mrs Blow. "It was such a special memory for us to see Laura having a exciting day after she's been unwell."
