The British Prince Harry marks the last day of his tour in the Pacific with a song in Maori language

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – British Prince Harry directed a song Wednesday at a Maori gathering in the native New Zealand language Te Reo during his Pacific tour with his wife Meghan.

The two men were welcomed to the marina Te Papaiouru where her grandmother Queen Elizabeth went in 1953 to the city of Rotorua, in the north-east of the country, famous for its geothermal activity and described by its mayor as " the heart of Maori culture ".

Meghan wore a Stella McCartney navy dress and Harry a gray suit. Both were adorned with feathered capes given them by the marae and Meghan also wore a carved green stone necklace given him by the governor general of the country.

Prince Harry opened his speech in the Te Reo language and ended his speech with a Maori proverb. His loud pronunciation was applauded by the crowd. He then directed a traditional song called "Te Aroha", which means "love" to Te Reo.

Harry's enthusiasm for the Maori language was welcomed by Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick.

"Our confidence as a bilingual district is growing, as well as our confidence in our people and our future," he said in a speech.

The use of the Maori te reo language is experiencing a revival in New Zealand after years of decline due to historical policies that have repressed the use of the language, especially in schools.

Free Maori language classes often advertise bookings and Premier Jacinda Ardern said her young daughter, Neve Te Aroha, would learn the language parallel to English.

The royal couple was due to leave New Zealand for London on Thursday after a two-week tour including visits to Australia, Tonga and Fiji.