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New Zealand honours Prince Philip

Ben McKayAAP
Prince Philip first visited New Zealand in 1953 and made 10 trips with the Queen up to 2002.
Camera IconPrince Philip first visited New Zealand in 1953 and made 10 trips with the Queen up to 2002. Credit: AP

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the death of Prince Philip will be "hugely significant" for New Zealand, a country he visited many times across six decades.

The Queen's husband and Duke of Edinburgh died peacefully in his sleep on Friday at the age of 99.

Ms Ardern has ordered government and naval flags to half-mast and her government has begun planning for a memorial service which will follow his funeral in the UK.

On Sunday at noon, the New Zealand Army will fire a 41-gun salute from Point Jerningham in Wellington.

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The 40-minute tribute is likely to be heard widely around the capital.

Speaking in Auckland on Saturday, Ms Ardern said the memorial service would be "entirely guided by the wishes of Her Majesty".

"It goes without saying this is a sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people we share our condolences," she said.

"It will be a hugely significant loss for New Zealand and those organisations that were supported by Prince Philip."

Prince Philip first visited New Zealand in 1953, making 10 trips accompanying Queen Elizabeth up to 2002, as well as other solo visits.

Among his many associations, he was patron of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and the New Zealand Society in the UK.

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy also issued a statement of condolence.

Last year, she told television station Three that Prince Philip was charming and engaged, even well into his 90s.

"He was very suspicious of the fact that (Dame Patsy's husband) Dave and I were vegetarians and wondered why," she said.

"He was very interested to know how New Zealand was doing on environmental issues and we found him very witty ... interested as well particularly in New Zealand and certainly sporting pursuits."

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