A Dunedin-born musician is about to have his first opportunity at a royal performance, when he provides entertainment for the Duchess of Cornwall today.
Jake Cropley (19) received the call three weeks ago from the University of Otago to fly to Dunedin to perform a song he composed for last year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The former King's High School pupil is studying for a diploma of contemporary performance, a year-long course, at the Mainz Institute of Music in Auckland.
Mr Cropley said he had no idea when he got the call that Prince Charles and the Duchess were coming to Dunedin.
''I know now.''
He will perform during the Duchess' visit to the Clocktower Building, where she will meet staff and learn about Dunedin's role as Unesco City of Literature.
The Duchess will also hear a poem by the university's 2015 Burns Fellow Louise Wallace and author and illustrator Dame Lynley Dodd, among others.
Mr Cropley said he would perform On Forever Ye Go, a Scottish-inspired song which, in 2013, was named winner of the Queen's Baton Songwriting Competition for Otago secondary school pupils.
It was performed in the Octagon as part of the Queen's Baton Relay ceremony and St Andrew's Day celebrations.
Mr Cropley, who described himself as a ''singer-songwriter, acoustic music'', flew to Dunedin yesterday afternoon, and soon after attended a dress rehearsal at the university.
He said he was in Paeroa on a weekend holiday when he got the call asking if he would perform.
''It was a wee bit confusing at first, because it was such an amazing opportunity.
''It shortly kicked in that it was quite incredible, so it was a great feeling.''
His feeling yesterday was ''not so much nerves''.
''It's definitely excitement - I'm definitely very excited to perform.''
The Royal couple arrived in New Zealand yesterday afternoon, with their seven-day tour starting in Wellington.
They landed at Wellington Airport's military terminal about 2.20pm and were then driven to Government House for an official welcome by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
The welcome was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
The Royal couple spoke briefly with veterans from World War 2 and Korea, including former British Paratroopers and members of the Russian Convoy.
A state reception was held at Government House last night.
