The Prime Minister may have been upstaged by the Prince, but one expert says the royal visit certainly hasn't harmed John Key's image.

Our nation's leader joined Prince Harry as much as he could, as the royal toured the length and breadth of the country.

Massey University Professor Claire Robinson says Harry was the focus of the media's interest, while John Key was more of a tag-along.

But she says his presence on the tour will reassure National voters he is still their friendly Prime Minister.

"For people who are not pre-disposed to support National, they'll probably be a bit sick about seeing John Key in all these photographs."

Robinson says over the years John Key has been photographed with some very important people, and is very relaxed around the likes of Barack Obama.

"It's part of the persona of John Key. I think that we now expect that he will be seen alongside these major world leaders and be seen to be quite chummy with them."

As for the visit itself - it's proved to be very good timing for Key.

Robinson says it will have drawn attention away from stories such as ponytail gate, the secrecy around sending troops to Iraq, and the Government likely not making surplus.

She says a lot of bad news stories have been following the Prime Minister around.

"When a royal arrives, it's a good news week for him, for the government and a nice and welcome distraction from all of those other stresses."