King Charles has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitiam in a moving tribute. The British monarch was taken aback by the sudden demise of the New Zealand royal, as they had only recently spoken.

In a heartfelt condolence message released tonight – morning in New Zealand – Charles reminisced about the “the greatest pleasure” of knowing the King for many years and fondly remembered their numerous meetings, including at Buckingham Palace last year.

In his statement, King Charles III said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia. I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades. He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion.

“I remember with immense fondness meeting Kiingi Tuheitia many times, including when Her Majesty and I were hosted so warmly and graciously at the Tuurangawaewae Marae in 2015, and then again during our meeting at 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. Kua hinga te totara i Te Waonui a Tane. (A mighty Totora tree has fallen.)”, reports the Mirror.

“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.”

Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the revered Maori monarch, has passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and cultural preservation. Surrounded by his loving family, his death was announced on social media by the Kiingitanga movement on Thursday evening GMT, corresponding to Friday morning in New Zealand.

The Maori king had recently been hospitalised following heart surgery, which took place shortly after he celebrated the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, expressed the profound sorrow felt by many, stating: “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation. A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”

The role of the Maori king, established in 1858, is a symbol of unity and resistance, created during a period when indigenous rights and lands were under threat from European colonial expansion in New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute, highlighting Kiingi Tuheitia’s unwavering dedication: “His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.”

Interestingly, he famously turned down an opportunity to meet Prince William and Kate Middleton during their tour of New Zealand when they held the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, feeling that the allocated 60 to 90 minutes for the visit was insufficient.

The Maori king was a distinguished guest at the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, having enjoyed a private meeting with Charles before the ceremony. The pair had previously spent time together during Charles and Camilla’s tour of New Zealand in 2015.