Dubai's Crown Prince reacts to Prince William's historic meeting with Māori Queen at Windsor

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was among a quarter of a million people who acknowledged a picture of the Prince of Wales with Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po. The meeting at Windsor Castle marks a significant moment in the long-standing relationship between the two royal houses

A historic moment at Windsor Castle

A seemingly simple 'like' on Instagram has highlighted a significant diplomatic event, connecting the British, Māori, and Dubai royalty. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, publicly acknowledged a historic meeting between Prince William and the reigning Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po, who was visiting London this week.

The meeting took place at Windsor Castle on the morning of Tuesday, just one day after the Māori queen attended celebrations for The King’s Trust. A photograph capturing the moment was shared on the official Instagram account of The Prince and Princess of Wales, drawing widespread attention. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Sheikh Hamdan was among the 250,000 people who 'liked' the post. While a subtle gesture, it underscores the global interest in this unique royal engagement, which is believed to be the first time a Māori monarch has been officially received at the historic royal residence, a place deeply symbolic of the British monarchy.

A shared passion for the environment

Discussions between the 41-year-old Prince of Wales and the Māori Queen reportedly went beyond pleasantries, touching on critical global issues. A report in Town&Country magazine revealed that the two leaders discussed “a range of global topics,” with a particular focus on their shared passion for environmental solutions.

The conversation is said to have centred around finding ways to bring together indigenous knowledge and Western science to tackle the world's most pressing ecological challenges. The Queen reportedly “affirmed her belief in the power of Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world’s environmental and social challenges.” This aligns closely with Prince William's own long-standing commitment to conservation, most notably through his global environmental initiative, The Earthshot Prize, which seeks innovative solutions to repair the planet.

Who is the new Māori Queen?

For those unversed, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po is the newly ascended Māori Queen, or Kuini, in New Zealand. At just 29 years old, she became the seventh monarch of the Kīngitanga, or Māori King Movement, earlier in 2024 following the death of her father, King Tūheitia. Her appointment is historically significant, as she is only the second woman to ever lead the Kīngitanga movement, following in the footsteps of her influential grandmother, Te Atairangikaahu. The movement itself was founded in the 1850s as a way to unite various Māori tribes and strengthen their leadership during a period of increasing British colonisation, serving as a vital counterpart to the British monarchy.

The rich culture of the Māori people

The Māori are the Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, whose ancestors are believed to have made an incredible journey across the Pacific Ocean in large, ocean-going canoes more than 700 years ago. Arriving from islands in eastern Polynesia, they developed a rich and unique culture over centuries that remains deeply connected to the land, ancestry, spirituality, and community.

Their traditions are globally recognised and include the powerful haka, a ceremonial dance often performed to welcome guests or challenge opponents. Other important cultural practices include the intricate tattoo art known as tā moko, detailed wood carving, traditional weaving, and a strong history of oral storytelling. The Māori language, te reo Māori, is one of New Zealand’s three official languages and has undergone a significant revitalisation in recent decades. Today, the Māori people remain an integral part of New Zealand’s national identity, politics, and culture.

A continued royal friendship

The Dubai Crown Prince’s social media nod is also seen in the context of a warm and established relationship with Prince William. The two royals have met before, notably in February 2022 during the Prince of Wales's visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. During that meeting, they discussed the deep ties between the UK and the UAE, as well as their mutual dedication to sustainability. Sheikh Hamdan has previously praised Prince William's global environmental work, including the United for Wildlife initiative. Both men are also known for their active and popular social media presences, often using their platforms to share insights into their official duties and personal interests, making this digital interaction a modern form of diplomacy.

The meeting between Prince William and the Māori Queen is a continuation of the long and complex history between the British Crown and the Kīngitanga. This recent engagement at Windsor, acknowledged by another influential royal, signals a modern chapter in that relationship, built on mutual respect and shared global concerns.