Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
The UK’s longest-serving monarch died, aged 96, after a 70-year reign.
Ardern said that the Queen’s commitment to her role has been without question and unwavering.
“The last days of the Queen’s life captures who she was in so many ways, working to the very end on behalf of the people she loved.
“This is a time of deep sadness. Young or old, there is no doubt that a chapter is closing today, and with that we share our thanks for an incredible woman who we were lucky enough to call our Queen,” Ardern said.
“She was extraordinary.
“She was a woman who worked into her 90s, I think despite the fact there had been some discussion in public around her health and wellbeing, I think despite that, there will be some shock.”
Ardern said that she was always very impressed with the level of knowledge and care the Queen had for New Zealand.
The prime minister recalled giving the Queen a picture from her visit to New Zealand about 50 years ago, where she was captured laughing in the back of a car.
“I did not for a moment expect her to recall anything of the moment that photo was taken.
“Not only could she remember the visit she could remember what was making her laugh.
“It was the informality – she was travelling around the country with the prime minister of the day and they kept yelling out his nickname as they drove around and I think she found it endearing … hearing New Zealanders yell out to their prime minister in that way.”
Arden said that King Charles III, who will now become King of New Zealand, has a commitment to the environment and children and she knows that he will have a good relationship with New Zealand.
“The King, like his mother, has a deep love for New Zealand.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said that the current plan includes:
- A period of national mourning that will continue until after the New Zealand State Memorial Service. The New Zealand service will happen after the Queen’s funeral in the UK, which is likely to be about 10 days after her death.
- The New Zealand flag will be flown at half-mast until the day of her funeral, except on Proclamation Day – the day of the new monarch’s accession to the throne.
- Condolence books will likely be opened at Parliament, the National Library and by local councils around the country.
- Places will be designated for members of the public to leave flowers.
Information and updates are available on the Governor-General’s website.
Image credit: Julian Calder/Wikimedia Commons
