12:36pm UK, Sunday July 10, 2005

Prince William has laid a wreath to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

The 23-year-old future King laid the wreath of poppies at the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph, paying respects to veterans who fought for freedom.

180 prince william laying war wreath

William paid his respects

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright also laid wreaths at the ceremony, before the prince spent an hour talking with veterans.

Mrs Clark told the crowd that New Zealand had stood shoulder to shoulder with the United Kingdom from the first day of WWII until the last.

She thanked Prince William for being at the ceremony.

"It is especially fitting, given the role played by Prince William's great grandparents, (King) George VI and Queen Elizabeth ... that he is here today as their direct descendant to honour the New Zealand contribution to the defeat of fascism and militarism," Mrs Clark said.

Representing the Queen for only the second time, Prince William carried out his first ever inspection of a Royal Guard of Honour.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of veterans as he met a group of around 40 following the open air ceremony.

One former soldier told the Prince: "You're very special".

Prince William replied: "No, no, you're the ones who are special," it was reported.

The Prince, who has been on tour in New Zealand for 11 days, was due to return to the UK later today.