New Zealand’s Maori Queen holds ‘heartfelt’ discussions with King Charles at Buckingham Palace

New Zealand’s 29-year-old Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, had a “heartfelt” discussion with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Thursday during an official visit to the UK.

This was the first meeting between the British monarch and Te Arikinui since she became Maori Queen in 2024 following the death of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

According to a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga (the Maori monarchy), the discussions included reflections on the passing of the late Maori King, as well as conversations about the future of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi.

The treaty, signed in 1840 by over 500 Maori chiefs and the British Crown, is seen as the cornerstone of Maori rights legislation in New Zealand.

“Te Arikinui is focused on strong relationships between peoples as Aotearoa New Zealand approaches the 200-year anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 2040,” the spokesperson said.

The two leaders also discussed plans to commemorate the bicentenary of the treaty.

Earlier this week, the Maori Queen also met Prince William at the Windsor Castle. In a post shared on Instagram, the Prince of Wales said that “it was a pleasure to meet with the Queen”.

A statement released after that meeting said the pair discussed global issues, including environmental challenges and Indigenous knowledge systems.

“Te Arikinui affirmed her belief in the power of Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world's environmental and social challenges,” the statement said.

Her visit to London continues a historic relationship between the Kiingitanga and the British royal family – a connection that has continued across generations.

Before becoming the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui travelled to London in 2022, where she met the then Prince Charles.

During that trip, she also spoke about carrying forward the legacy of her ancestors, including King Tawhiao, who travelled to England in the 1880s to seek an audience with Queen Victoria amid concerns that Te Tiriti o Waitangi was not being upheld.

Te Arikinui was crowned in 2024 and became only the second Maori Queen in history. The first was her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

The Maori monarchy was established in the 19th century when Maori tribes created a unifying leadership role aimed at protecting land, preserving Maori culture and responding to British colonisation.

The role of the Maori monarch, although largely ceremonial and without legal authority, holds significant influence as they are regarded as the paramount chief of several tribes.

Te Arikinui is visiting London this week for the 50th anniversary celebrations of The King’s Trust, the youth-focused organisation founded by King Charles in 1976 when he was still Prince of Wales.

She is joined by four young New Zealand entrepreneurs whose businesses have received support through The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand.

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