Prince one of the crew

ROYAL VISITOR: Prince Edward on board the Spirit of New Zealand during his trip to New Zealand.

Levi Gennrich

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When exchange student Levi Gennrich arrived in New Zealand he never dreamt he would meet Prince Edward.

The Glenfield College student from Germany was on the Spirit of New Zealand boat on Waitemata Harbour with 40 other teenagers when the Prince came on board for a day.

Levi, 16, admits he didn't know much about Prince Edward except that he was Prince Charles' brother.

"He looks the same as Prince Charles.

"We hear more about Prince Harry and William in the media in Germany when they get into trouble," says Levi.

He says before the Prince came on board they did a lot of cleaning and the volunteer crew wore their uniforms, which they do not usually put on. The crew even did a bit of painting to revamp the sailing boat.

"Everyone was really excited but I didn't really know who he was."

Prince Edward also sailed on the Spirit of Adventure in 1982 when he was studying in New Zealand.

Levi says the Prince even had a chance to steer the boat while on board.

The Spirit of New Zealand sails 340 days a year providing a youth development programme to 15 to 19-year-olds. It has been operating since 1973.

Prince Edward visited New Zealand for a week this month.

- © Fairfax NZ News