Thousands expected to gather at War Memorial for royal visit

Friday, 26 October 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan in Tonga on Friday.

Thousands of people are expected to swarm Wellington's Pukeahu National War Memorial Park on Sunday to catch a glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will greet the public between 4.45pm and 5.30pm at the memorial in Te Aro, in what will be the couple's only public appearance in the capital.

Thousands are expected to flock to central Wellington on Sunday to catch a glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, pictured here on their wedding day earlier this year.

The royal couple will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and visit the new UK War Memorial beforehand.

'Harry and Meghan will be one of the most popular royal couples to visit Wellington and I am sure thousands will be keen to see them up close,' Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said.

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Lester said people wanting to see the couple should arrive early, avoid driving if possible, and not park too close to the memorial if they do need to drive.

He also urged people not to bring umbrellas regardless of the weather because they could block views for other people, and to let children, shorter people, and seniors stand at the front.

People wanting to get across town on Sunday should avoid Taranaki St and instead use the waterfront quays, the bays, Kent/Cambridge Terrace, or Brooklyn to get to the eastern or southern suburbs.

Road closures (6am-3pm)

Taranaki St between Dixon St and Jessie St

Victoria St from Hunter St to Wakefield St

Wakefield St from Victoria St to Cuba St

Lower Cuba St from Wakefield St to Manners St

Dixon St from Cuba Mall to Taranaki St

Inglewood Place

Ghuznee St from Taranaki St to Marion St

* Manners St from Taranaki St to Cuba St will be bus only.

Bus services will run as normal during these times, except for routes 3 and 21. Diversions will be in place. Check details on the Metlink website.

The annual Diwali Festival is also taking place on Sunday and is expected to draw large crowds and traffic. The festival is being held along the Wellington waterfront from 1.30pm to 9.30pm.

The Wellington City Council Facebook and Twitter pages will have regular updates in road closures and travel information.