Prince William to visit during Lions Tour

Prince William is to visit New Zealand during the Lions rugby tour.

The 22-year-old will arrive in July to watch the All Blacks take on the Lions in the second and third tests, as well as attend a Lions training camp.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the Prince's trip would be "predominantly a private visit" in conjunction with the tour.

But he would also carry out some official engagements while here, including ceremonies in Wellington and Auckland to commemorate the end of World War II, a school visit and sightseeing activities.

"Prince William is a popular and engaging young man and his visit will attract a lot of interest," she said.

Both William and his brother, Prince Harry, are keen rugby fans.

Harry attended a number of England's games during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Prince William, second in line to the throne, visited New Zealand as a baby with his parents, Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1983.