Prime minister welcomes royal baby
The official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one New Zealand gave when Prince William was born.
Prime Minister John Key today congratulated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the birth of their first child, a boy.
“This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,” Mr Key says.
“The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents.”
Mr Key also extended his congratulations to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, and the Queen and Prince Phillip, on the arrival of the newest member of the royal family.
New Zealand's official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one the country gave when Prince William was born.
The intricate shawl has been designed by Margaret Stove, who was also responsible for Prince William's shawl. Cynthia Read spun the wool and knitted the garmentl.
“New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William's son to New Zealand as well,” Mr Key says.
As well as the shawl, and with the blessing of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, an invitation was sent to knitters nationwide to knit baby singlets to give to new parents at local maternity and neo-natal units on the couple's behalf.
“On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best,” Mr Key says.
A 21-gun salute will be fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, today to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Cambridge.
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Prime minister welcomes royal baby
30992