Prince William's speech to NZ

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge unveiling of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell. Photo / Getty Images

Prince William’s heartwarming speech managed to snatch back the spotlight from charming wife and son. Read a transcript below.

"Te Katu Kotua.

"Your Excellencies, Prime Minister Mr Key, Chief Justice and Mr. Fletcher, members of the House of Representatives, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

"Your Excellency, thank you for your kind words and welcoming us here to Government House. Thank you for also hosting Catherine, George and me during our time in New Zealand. I hope George doesn't keep you up. He's known to be particularly vocal at 3am. I swear I heard him doing the haka this morning ...

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be back here in God's own country, as I've learnt to call it and this time with my wife and son. When I returned to New Zealand for the first time as an adult in 2005 I came mainly to watch the All Blacks against the British and the Irish Lions. The best way to be introduced to the sports passionate nation. In subsequent visits, my affection and admiration for New Zealand has only deepend. In 2011 in Christchurch, your country underwent its worst crisis in modern history. I had a chance to witness just how selflessly the people in Christchurch responded to the tragedy.

"Next week, Catherine and I will have a chance to see how the city's coming back to life. On these visits I have no doubt it will be Catherine and not just me who falls for New Zealand.

"The qualities that New Zealanders share are common with one another, whole heartedness, generosity, neighbourliness and openness and sense of justice and freedom to name just a few are qualities that I suspect given your modesty you may take for granted.

"They are qualities for which New Zealanders are admired the world over.

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"One of the things that I value about New Zealand is the integrity of its institutions. The foundation of New Zealand's government is represented in this very room by a portrait of Queen Victoria, during whose reign the treaty of Waitangi was signed, laying the foundation of this great nation. At the heart of New Zealand's democracy is its parliament represented here today is a parliament that has continued to represent without disruption since 1854, unbroken by war, civil disturbance or political upheaval - New Zealand repeatedly demonstrates its progressiveness. I know, for example it's a matter of pride to New Zealanders, this was the first country in the world to give women the vote. New Zealand's - beyond politics into commerce, industry and quality of life.

"The list of inventions and technical and medical breakthroughs far outstrip New Zealand's relatively small population. New Zealanders should be rightly proud of this enviable history of blending continuity and innovation. Yet you can find all this with one of those beautiful and varying landscapes in the world and some first class wines as well. New Zealand surely is a very special place.

"On a personal level, on a visit such as this, I am reminded, time and time again of New Zealander's deep affection for the Queen who in 2012 celebrated her diamond jubilee year. This evening I have the privilege of unveiling a new portrait of Her Majesty commissioned by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery and painted by young New Zealand artist Nick Cuthell. I hope I am not giving away many secrets before the portrait is unveiled, if I say that Her Majesty is portrayed wearing the silver fern brooch which provides a symbol with a clear reminder of Her Majesty's deep affection for New Zealand.

"It now gives me and Catherine great pleasure to unveil the portrait of Her Majesty Queen of New Zealand. Kiora Tatu Ketua."