Prince William will have to munch 'meal from hell' to please Maori chiefs

London, January 10 (ANI): Prince William is set to put his taste buds to test when he shares a meal with the tattooed, warlike Maori chiefs during his royal visit to New Zealand and Australia.

The second in line to the British throne is scheduled to meet the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand who will greet the prince as their guest of honour with a traditional welcome ceremony later this month.

The 27-year-old will dine at a traditional Maori barbie or "hangi", where the food is cooked in a hole in the ground, and is expected to swallow every single mouthful or else risk offending his hosts, reports the Daily Star.

William is expected to be nibble on the Titi bird, the fatty chicks of the storm-petrel, raw seaweed, kina sea eggs and fiery pepper leaves.

He could also be asked to try chopped eels and the giant-sized hu-hu grub, served lightly grilled and said to taste of strong, chewy chicken.

A source close to the prince said: "During his military training, William had to try all sorts of food during his survival tests, so not much fazes him.

"If he can survive the NAAFI (the Forces canteen), he can survive anything. The trip is important to him because he's representing the Queen. But he wants to relax with people his own age as well while he's there." (ANI)