Tragic News: King Charles Wept And is in shock. it’s with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the tragic news that King Tuheitia has been confirmed to be…. Read More

King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “profoundly saddened” to learn of the Māori King’s death.

“Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne,” a statement from the monarch read. “A mighty Totora tree has fallen.

“I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades.

“He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion.”

King Charles remembered his meetings with Kīngi Tuheitia “with immense fondness”, he said.

Recent meetings include when Charles, then prince, was “warmly and graciously” welcomed to Tūrangawaewae Marae in 2015.

The pair also spoke when Kīngi Tuheitia visited Buckingham Palace last year.

“His death is a particular shock in view of the fact that I had only very recently spoken to Kiingi on the telephone at the beginning of August,” King Charles said.

“My wife and I extend our deepest condolences to Kiingi Tuheitia’s whaanau and friends and all those who will mourn his loss.

“Our special thoughts and prayers will be with you at this most difficult and heartbreaking of times.”

“Farewell e te Ariki nui, Kiingi Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII,” she said.

“It was with great sorrow that I received the news of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

“All Waikato-Tainui and Kingitanga will be mourning the passing of their leader, and his loss will be felt across Māoridom and the wider Pacific,” Dame Cindy continued.

“Kiingi Tuheitia built on the mahi of his forebears, advocating for Waikato-Tainui and promoting peace and unity.

“He inspired iwi Māori to hold fast to our identity and take pride in our reo.