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Wellington, April 13, 2018
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern left today on a tour of Europe, which will take her to France, Germany and London.
She would have a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, during her stay in the British Capital to attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
Her tour of Europe will begin with a visit to Gold Coast in Australia where New Zealand athletes are competing at the Commonwealth Games.
Engagements in Europe
In Europe she will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and British Prime Minister Theresa May in London.
“I am grateful that Her Majesty is taking the time to meet with me in what is an incredibly busy week for her as Head of the Commonwealth. This will be my first meeting with Her Majesty and hence I am looking forward to sharing this government’s vision for New Zealand and our priorities,” Ms Ardern said.
On Appointment Audience
The forthcoming meeting with Queen Elizabeth is an ‘On Appointment’ audience, which is offered to new Prime Ministers from those countries where the Queen is Head of State.
The meeting is set for Thursday, April 19, 2018.
“I will be meeting The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall the previous day at Clarence House. Their Royal Highnesses have had two very successful visits to New Zealand over the last few years, so this is a good chance to update them on issues of interest.
“I am also looking forward to a very special Youth Town Hall where I will be meeting students from three London schools and hearing about the key social issues which concern them like gender equality,” Ms Arden said.
The Youth Town Hall is being hosted at City Hall on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who has also invited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, who will be attending the meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
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Photo Caption:
Queen Elizabeth and Jacinda Ardern
Photo Courtesy: AFP / RNZ Rebekah Parsons-King (Under Special Agreement)
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