London – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed the New Zealanders attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in London next week.
They include the Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Victoria Cross for New Zealand recipient, Bill (Willie) Apiata and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon.
McKinnon was based at Marlborough House for some years doing his Commonwealth work. Marlborough House has for many years been the headquarters of the Commonwealth. It was built for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, the favourite and confidante of Queen Anne.
Others from New Zealand attending include Sir Tipene O’Regan, Aivale Cole, Whaea Esther Jessop and Jacqueline Gilbert, Dame Silvia Cartwright and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
The Acting High Commissioner to New Zealand will also attend.
In addition, some holders of New Zealand’s most senior royal honours have also been invited to attend the funeral. Amongst those are representatives of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, The New Zealand Cross, and the Order of New Zealand.
Being in London for the Queen’s funeral also represents an opportunity to meet with King Charles III along with other world leaders.
The Prime Minister will fly to London for the funeral on September14.
Following the Queen’s funeral the Prime Minister will fly to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and resuming her programme for the week there, including co-hosting the Christchurch Call Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
