New Zealand PM sends nation's congratulations on pregnancy to royal couple

 WELLINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime¹ Minister John Key on Tuesday congratulated British royals Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on the news that they are expecting a baby.

Prince William is second in line to the throne² after his father Prince Charles, and is set to be New Zealand's future head of state.

"On behalf³ of the people of New Zealand, I congratulate them both," Key said in a statement.

He said he knew the Queen and Prince Phillip, Prince William's grandparents, would be extremely pleased.

"It is an important day in any young couple's life when a baby is expected and I know that Catherine and William will be as nervous and excited as anyone," he said.

"We wish them both the very best and hope Catherine's stay in hospital is a short one."

1 prime   

adj.首要的，主要的；最好的，第一流的

参考例句：

• The prime minister spoke of the general insecurity in the country.总理谈到了全国普遍存在的不安全。
• He met with the Prime Minister of Japan for an hour.他和日本首相会见了一个小时。

2 throne   

n.御座，宝座；王位，王权

参考例句：

• He was the legal heir to the throne.他是王位的合法继承人。
• The throne was footed with gold.这御座是用黄金做的脚。

3 behalf   

n.利益，方面；支持，赞成

参考例句：

• Ken is not present,so I shall accept the prize on his behalf.肯没有出席，所以我将代表他领奖。
• They fixed on him to speak on their behalf.他们已经确定他作为代表发言。