King Charles opens up on his shock as close friend dies just weeks after their final phone call

The decades-long friend to the British Royal Family had been recovering in hospital after undergoing heart surgery.

King Charles revealed in his statement reacting to the death that he had spoken to Tuheitia earlier this month.

The monarch said: "I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades.

"He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion.

"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."

The King travelled to New Zealand in 2015, where he visited the town of Ngaruawahia with the Kiingi and his wife Makau Ariki.

Kiingi Tuheitia visited the monarch and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace in 2023.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also paid tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia on Friday.

Luxon wrote: “Today, we mourn the loss of Kiingi Tuheitia.

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"His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.

"I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna [the younger generation], his passion for te ao Maori [the Maori world], and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect."

He added: "I will also remember the kindness he showed me personally whenever I met with him at Turangawaewae [the headquarters of the Maori king movement]."