NSW: Price's visit to shine UK media spotlight on NSW - Keneally

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2009
NSW: Price's visit to shine UK media spotlight on NSW - Keneally

SYDNEY, Dec 15 AAP - Prince William's visit to NSW next month will be an opportunity
to showcase the state in foreign media, Premier Kristina Keneally says.

Ms Keneally on Tuesday confirmed the prince would officially visit NSW in late-January
as part of his first Australian trip as an adult.

He previously travelled Down Under with his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana,
a year after his birth in 1983.

The second in line to the British throne will be in Sydney and Melbourne from January
19-21, spending the first two days of the trip in NSW.

Ms Keneally, who will host the prince on January 20, said details of the visit were
yet to be made public.

However, it's expected the prince will be accompanied by a large contingent of British
journalists, covering his first major Australian visit.

The trip could have even greater media focus if he travels with long-time girlfriend
Kate Middleton, with rumours they may announce their engagement over the Christmas period.

"Prince William's visit will showcase NSW to an international audience," Ms Keneally
said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We are delighted to welcome back the prince to Sydney."

Buckingham Palace was expected to soon release the prince's program, she said.

The Office of the Prime Minister says the visit originated from Prince William's request
to visit the country to get to know Australia and its people.

"During his visit, Prince William will focus on his core interests of supporting servicemen
and women, helping young people fulfil their potential and sustainable development in
the light of climate change," it has said.

"The prince will also use the visit to learn more about local indigenous issues and
visit the bushfire-ravaged countryside in Victoria," it has said.

"Prince William will have the opportunity to meet a cross-section of Australians involved
in a variety of projects of interest in both Sydney and Melbourne."

He will be arriving after a visit to New Zealand, where he will be opening the new
Supreme Court in Wellington.

AAP evt/hn/dep

KEYWORD: WILLIAM

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