King Charles ‘profoundly saddened’ by Kīngi Tuheitia’s death

King Charles has paid tribute to Kīngi Tuheitia, who died in the early hours of this morning.

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.”