Following the passing of Maori King Tuheitia, King Charles issued a condolence statement. The King, who was deeply upset, offered his condolences on behalf of Queen Camilla and himself. “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of Kiingi Tuheitia’s death,” declared King Charles.For many years, I had the greatest pleasure of getting to know Kiingi Tuheitia. His wise and compassionate actions were directed toward building a bright future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand, based on culture, traditions, and healing.
“I have incredibly wonderful memories of meeting Kiingi Tuheitia on several occasions, most notably when Her Majesty and I were welcomed with such warmth and grace at the Tuurangawaewae Marae in 2015 and again at our visit at Buckingham Palace the previous year. Considering that I had only recently spoken with Kiingi over the phone at the beginning of August, his death comes as a particular shock. “My spouse and I send our sincere condolences to Kiingi Tuheitia’s friends and whaanau, as well as to everyone who will be grieving his passing. During this most trying and painful of times, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
“Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne,” the King wrote as well. (A large Totora tree has collapsed.) In 2023, King Tuheitia was present at King Charles’ coronation. As King Tuheitia recovered from heart surgery, he passed away in the early hours of August 30. He was sixty-nine. Since August 2006, His Majesty has ruled as the Maori monarch
