Watch: Prince Harry delights Rotorua locals with use of te reo, leads waiata after heartfelt speech

October 31, 2018

The Duke of Sussex joined others in the marae in singing Te Aroha in te reo.

Prince Harry has embraced Māori culture to the fullest in his speech at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua this afternoon, speaking te reo and leading a waiata during the whaikorero process.

After completing his role earlier in the pōwhiri, Prince Harry was the last to speak inside the wharenui.

The Duke of Sussex said he was pleased to be spending time with the people of Te Arawa.

"Thank you so much for the beautiful cloak you have gifted myself and the Duchess," in reference to the personalised korowai both were presented prior to the pōwhiri.

The beautiful cloak pays homage to her royal status, her pregnancy and her Californian roots.

He said the great skill and aroha which went into making the cloaks would see it as a treasured taonga in their family.

After his speech, the Prince then led a waiata himself, singing all of the words to Te Aroha in te reo.

The Duke of Sussex picked up the rākau whakawaha before walking on to Te Papaiouru Marae.

After lunch, Harry and Meghan Markle will leave the marae for the rest of their activities in Rotorua on what is the final day of their tour.

They will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme before a public walkabout in the Rotorua CBD set down for mid-afternoon.

SHARE ME

More Stories