Māori Queen meets with Prince William at Windsor Castle

An historic meeting between Prince William and the Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has taken place at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.

Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said the meeting was the first time a Māori monarch had met a member of the UK's Royal Family at the castle. The Māori Queen is known as Te Arikinui, which means Paramount Chief in Te Reo Māori.

This was Te Arikinui's first meeting with the Royal Family since she succeeded her father Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died on August 30, 2024, aged 69.

The 29-year-old and the Prince of Wales, aged 43, share interests in environmental causes and helping rangatahi (young people) succeed. King Charles also supports work in this area.

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po meets Prince William in UK - Watch on TVNZ+

A statement on the Kiingitanga social media said the two "discussed a range of global topics".

"Te Arikinui affirmed her belief in the power of indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world’s environmental and social challenges."

Te Arikinui is in London this week as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for The King's Trust, set up by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, in 1976 with the ethos that "every young person should have the chance to succeed".

Four young Kiwi entrepreneurs who have been supported with their businesses by The King's Trust Aotearoa New Zealand are also in London.

The New Zealand charity launched in 2019 and has since financially supported 126 young entrepreneurs with $1.33 million in grants awarded. The Kiingitanga are support of the charity.

The Kiingitanga are planning for the Māori Queen to have a long reign and an enduring relationship with Prince William, the heir to the British throne.