New Zealand PM welcomes planned visit by prince William

The second in line to the British throne and New Zealand's future head of state, Prince William, is to visit New Zealand with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, in April next year, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced Friday. "I am delighted New Zealand will have the opportunity to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who today confirmed they will visit Australia and New Zealand in April next year," Key said in a statement. "It's also anticipated Prince George will accompany his parents, but a decision hasn't been made on that yet and will be made in due course." Prince William had visited New Zealand four times in the past, most recently in March 2011 to attend the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service, but it would be the Duchess of Cambridge's first visit. Further details regarding the visit, including dates and an itinerary, would be released next year.