Prince's choice right on

IT WAS the big question: Why Wanganui? Prince Harry's first ever visit to these shores will see him flit between Stewart Island and Auckland - and a couple of places in between, including Thursday's six-hour jaunt round the River City.

So why had Buckingham Palace looked our way?

Had his uncle Prince Edward - a junior master at Wanganui Collegiate School in 1982 - put in a word?

Had Wanganui old boy and now Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae pulled a few strings?

The historic Treaty settlement for the Whanganui River appears to have been the clincher. So local iwi can take a bow. The prince expressed an interest in experiencing Maori culture and, given our unique river settlement, it was suggested Wanganui should be the place - an idea he "readily accepted", according to those organising his tour.

So, good choice, Harry. He is obviously a bright boy.

The rockstar royal will get a snapshot of our beautiful environment and, as a seasoned air force helicopter pilot, will make the most of meeting some of Wanganui's veteran servicemen and women.

And there will be a walkabout at the War Memorial Centre for the public.

It promises to be a great day out and the Chronicle aims to give the prince a warm Wanganui welcome with a souvenir poster, which will be in tomorrow's paper.

And we are encouraging those who are going to see Harry to take the poster along - and let him know he made the right choice when he picked us.