New Zealand Māori Queen Te Arikinui Meets King Charles, Discusses Crown Relationship

New Zealand's Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po, has met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, marking her first encounter with the British monarch since her ascension in 2024 following the death of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia.

This visit underscores the enduring nearly two-century relationship between New Zealand's indigenous peoples and the British Crown, a bond formalised by the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document of New Zealand.

A spokesperson for the Māori Queen stated that the discussions with King Charles were "heartfelt," touching upon the former King's passing and the mutual desire to strengthen their relationship.

Earlier in the week, Prince William also hosted Te Arikinui at Windsor Castle. A statement from the Kīngitanga, the Māori King Movement, reported that the Māori Queen engaged with Prince William on a range of international issues, particularly highlighting her conviction in "the power of indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world's environmental and social challenges."