Spanish King, Queen welcomed to capital

Gerrard Albert and Rose White Tahuparae accompany King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The King and Queen of Spain were welcomed to New Zealand in a ceremony fit for a Hollywood blockbuster today.

The red carpet was laid, representatives from the three armed forces present, powhiri performed, flags raised and anthems played as King Juan Carlos l and Queen Sofia were given an official state welcome outside Parliament.

Several hundred people and a large Spanish media contingent turned out to witness the pomp and ceremony.

Following the welcome, the royal couple joined Prime Minister John Key, Speaker Lockwood Smith and Opposition leader Phil Goff for talks.

They have been in Auckland for the last few days and will officially open a Spanish embassy in Wellington today, the fourth day of their five-day visit to New Zealand.

- NZPA