The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Prince’s unexpected party
THE PRINCE of Wales may be getting older and losing his hair as Paul McCartney famously sang, but turning 64 yesterday left the royal in good spirits.
To the strains of the Beatles tune When I’m Sixty-Four, the Prince cut his birthday cake — one of 64 waiting to be eaten — and danced to the song.
Charles celebrated his milestone with the Duchess of Cornwall in New Zealand, the final stop of their Pacific tour to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee.
He was joined by 64 Kiwis, aged from 18 to 101 who were also born on November 14, and Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae (58) and Bronagh Key (49), wife of Prime Minister John Key, who also share their birthday with him.
The party was staged at Government House. The 64 cakes were decorated with New Zealand symbols, from the silver fern and kiwi fruit to images of native birds.
He also had an unusual birthday present in theWellington suburb of Miramar, which has been dubbed “Wellywood” because of the movie-making companies in the area.
The prince was given a sneak preview of costumes and props from the new blockbuster by Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson who is bringing The Hobbit, another classic children’s story by JRR Tolkien, to the silver screen.
A dwarf from the movie, played by actor Mark Hadlow, offered his sword and service to the royal, much to his amazement.
He dropped to one knee and said in a booming voice he had been released by Jackson “for you to command as you see fit, your servant Dori”.
Charles laughed: “This is the best birthday present I’ve had for a long time.”
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, is the first part in a trilogy which receives its world premiere at the end of the month in Wellington.