John Key

Wellington, Nov 20 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key is to meet the Queen next Tuesday.

Mr Key flies to Peru today for an APEC meeting on the economy. He is heading on to Britain to meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown and other politicians.

Now an audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace has been organised for November 25, which Mr Key said was an honour and a privilege.

Mr Key said the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit the Tourism New Zealand's promotional inflatable rugby ball venue and meet the All Blacks in London that day.

"This is a wonderful gesture of goodwill and support to New Zealand by Her Majesty, and we are honoured and delighted."

The ball will be erected at Potters Field Park, adjacent to the Tower Bridge.

Apart from Mr Brown, Mr Key is to catch up with Conservative Opposition leader David Cameron and meet London Mayor Boris Johnson.

"New Zealand has a particularly close relationship with the United Kingdom, and it is a valued partner for New Zealand in Europe and on the international scene.

"I look forward to further developing New Zealand's excellent relations with the British Government."

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