Harry does the Haka

In case we hadn't worked out just why we all like Prince Harry so much, he went and did a haka today. No standing on the sidelines watching for this royal visitor. He's straight in and joining in, giving us yet another highlight of a tour that has been an unmitigated success.

Prince Harry does the Haka - what's not to like?

(photo from Governor General of New Zealand You Tube)

The prince was at the Linton military base for a packed day of activities which included watching a traditional haka display.

Te īhi me te wehi! Feel the passion, an experience of pride! #PrinceHarry #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/cwrpQws1Lw

— Governor-General NZ (@GovGeneralNZ) May 13, 2015

But while most royal visitors say thank you and move on, Harry moved behind closed doors, learned the moves and twenty minutes later made a pretty impressive contribution of his own to the NZ Army haka.

View image | gettyimages.com

He got a round of applause for his efforts even if he did look pretty exhausted by the time it was all over. But his decision to join in this traditional custom won huge support in New Zealand and back home in the UK and is proof, if any were needed, of Harry's ability to reach out and appear just a bit more like the rest of us.

Harry's haka can be found around 2 minutes into this video of his tour
He arrived at Linton in a helicopter before getting a chance to drive an All Terrain Vehicle as well as sitting in a New Zealand Army tank. And then he helped soldiers carry a traditional meal, a hangi, which he then tucked into with military staff and their families..

Prince Harry aboard a @NZDefenceForce light-armoured vehicle #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/Xq4ITJUxtf

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 13, 2015

But the main focus of his visit was meeting soldiers including service personnel who have been injured and warriors from last year's Invictus Games. He spent time talking to them and their families, hearing their stories and offering them his support. And he also passed on the good wishes of his aunt, the Princess Royal, who is patron of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps - he met some of their members who this year mark 100 years of their association.

Prince Harry enjoys a chat with service personnel at the Linton base 

(photo Kensington Palace Instagram)

There was also music from a Karanaga group and a chance to join in a game of touch rugby with children from a local school before Harry headed home,

A special thank you for a special visitor - Harry at Linton 

(photo Kensington Palace Instagram)

It was a day that provided one of the defining moments of Harry's tour of New Zealand and, as he heads into civilian life in just a few weeks time, it's perhaps appropriate that this special moment happened while he was in his army fatigues. For Harry has been a soldier all hid adult life and is leaving that behind to take on a bigger royal role. And he showed, in one of his last appearances as an active serviceman, that he is ready to bring his own spin to the life he has chosen to take on in place of what he has known so far. It's why Harry's haka was special for more reason than one and why it will be remembered for many years to come.