Prince William: To visit Australia and New Zealand

Prince William: To visit Australia and New Zealand

Prince William Windsor, the elder son of Prince Charles and the late Diana and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, will go on his first official tour of the Commonwealth in January. He will visit Australia and New Zealand to "get to know" the people.

The second in line to the British Throne's will visit Auckland and Wellington from January 17 to 19 before going to Australia for a three-day visit to Sydney and Melbourne.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said in a statement, "Prince William will represent the Queen at the opening of the Supreme Court building in Wellington".

The 27 year old Prince William will visit Australia in his first official visit since he toured the country in 1983 with the Prince and Princess of Wales as a baby.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in a statement, "The visit originated from a request to the government of Australia by Prince William to visit the country so as to begin to get to know Australia and its people".

Mr. Rudd said that Prince William will meet a broad range of Australians as he focuses on his "core interests" of supporting defence personnel, helping young people fulfil their potential and sustainable development.

Mr. Rudd also said in his statement, "The Prince will also use the visit to learn more about local indigenous issues and visit the bushfire-ravaged countryside in Victoria".