Prince Charles given honorary positions in NZ Defence Force

Prince Charles has been appointed to three honorary positions in the New Zealand Defence Force. Photo / Getty Images

Prince Charles has been appointed to three honorary positions in the New Zealand Defence Force.

Prime Minister John Key said today that Queen Elizabeth had approved the Prince of Wales' appointments.

The honorary positions are Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army Field Marshal, and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Mr Key said the honorary titles recognised Prince Charles' strong support for the NZDF.

"Speaking at this year's Anzac Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli, the prince demonstrated a deep empathy and understanding for the contribution and sacrifice of our Defence Force personnel in conflicts and peace keeping operations around the world," the Prime Minister said.

The prince has a long association with the military. He continued a family tradition of serving in the navy, and later flew aircraft and helicopters for the air force.

He previously held the title of Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, which he relinquished before being given the new air force position.

The appointments would be recognised during Prince Charles' visit to New Zealand in November.