Charles and Camilla meet Cantabrians on their Christchurch stop of the Royal Tour.

His lack of involvement with New Zealand means he can't properly be independent of our Parliament, writes Mike Wilkinson.

It's not every day you get to share your birthday with a prince, let alone over 60 other people who share the same birth date as you. A Kiwiana-themed birthday was held this afternoon at Government House for Prince Charles and 64 Kiwis who were born today. Prime Minister John Key's wife Bronagh and Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae also celebrated their birthday today. Prince Charles turned 64 today and was thrilled to hear the Beatles classic When I'm 64, played by the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band and sung by Australian opera singer Margaret Medlyn.

Prince Charles met Mark Hadlow, who plays the dwarf Dori in "The Hobbit" movies, in a tour of Weta Studios in Wellington.

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall who are here for their royal tour of New Zealand arrive in Wellington for their 'walkabout' and attend a birthday party for Prince Charles.

Prince Charles will celebrate his 64th birthday in Wellington today where the royal couple will open New Zealand's Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen.

HRH Prince Charles visited the Cloud for the Sheer Brilliance Wool Campaign to observe some of the countries innovative ideas & designs. He also tried his hand at making a wool rug & later gave a speech on his thoughts of the values & benefits of using the natural fibre.

The Royal party enjoyed the 'Hairy Maclary' stage show at the Bruce Mason theatre and met author Dame Lynley Dodd along with the children and cast.

The Royals have visited AUT Millennium to meet our Olympic and Paralympic medalists, visited Devonport Naval Base, and braved the rain with a walk along Queen Street to meet the crowds that came to welcome them to Auckland.

Their Royal Highnesses visited the AUT Millennium Institute of Sport & Health and were greeted by many admirers. Junior World Shot put champ Jacko Gill had the pleasure of meeting them & had the opportunity to put his skills on display.

A wrap-up of the Royal visit to Auckland where there was war veterans, royalists and a cautious hongi.

There were war veterans, royalists and a cautious hongi during the couple's first major welcome to New Zealand, on the final leg of their Pacific tour.

Whatever the shortfalls of the American electoral system, it has one basic element right. You have to have been born in the US to become its head of state, writes Brian Rudman.

Prince Charles, who arrives in NZ tomorrow with his wife, Camilla, has fashioned a respectable career as the Queen's apprentice.

The Melbourne Cup was once again about the fashion - as well as the races - as thousands turned out to celebrate in Auckland and across the Ditch.

Prince Charles and Camilla arrived in Papua New Guinea and got straight into official engagements, visiting villages and attending cultural events.

Prince Charles says coming to Papua New Guinea makes him feel old, but he'll be leaving later today with a sense of regret.

Three of Wairarapa's November 14 babies will be celebrating their birthday in style this year - with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla.

The British royal holiday home of Sandringham is open to the public - but, as Andrew Drummond discovers, not all parts of this four-level grand pile can be accessed.