King Charles hosts New Zealand Māori Queen at Buckingham Palace

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po, New Zealand's revered Māori Queen, recently had her first official meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace since taking on her royal duties.

This meeting marks an important milestone in the lengthy relationship of nearly two hundred years between the Māori community and the British monarchy.

This bond was formally laid through the Treaty of Waitangi, which is considered one of the cornerstone documents of New Zealand.

Te Arikinui ascended to her position in 2024 following the passing of her father, King Tuheitia, making this week's royal gathering her initial encounter with the British sovereign as Queen.

According to a representative for the Māori Queen, the exchange between the two leaders was "genuine," with discussions focusing on the former king's passing and enhancing relations between the nations.

Before this gathering at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, Te Arikinui was welcomed by Prince William at Windsor Castle earlier in the week.

The Prince of Wales expressed his satisfaction about the meeting on Instagram, noting, "It was a true pleasure to meet with the Queen."

The Māori Queen and Prince William discussed a range of global issues, expressing her belief that "native wisdom and generational guidance" could solve major environmental and social issues globally, as per a Kīngitanga announcement.

"Whether at home or globally, Te Arikinui's leadership emphasises creating opportunities for our community, particularly for our rangathi [young Māori] to succeed," stated Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, the Māori monarchy.

The roots of the Māori monarchy go back to the 19th century when different tribes formed a unifying leadership similar to European royalty to fight against the loss of land to British colonisers and to protect their traditions.

The role today is largely ceremonial and symbolic.

Te Arikinui is honoured as only the second female to lead the Māori throne, following her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who was the first female leader in the Kīngitanga lineage.

According to a representative for the Māori Queen, the exchange between the two leaders was "genuine," with discussions focusing on the former king's passing and enhancing relations between the nations.

She is the only daughter and the youngest child of the late Māori King Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

The Queen made a prior visit to London in June 2022, where she met King Charles to strengthen connections between the two royal families.

Reflecting on that visit, she openly shared her hopes: "I must admit, my greatest hope is for all Māori land to be given back to its rightful Māori owners."