New Zealand held its official ceremony on the grounds of Parliament, with proceedings led by Governor-General Cindy Kiro and Ardern, beginning with the national anthem and a prayer in te reo Māori – the indigenous language. Ardern said she believed New Zealand’s close connection with the royal family would continue and be strengthened under the new monarch. “King Charles has long had an affection for Aotearoa New Zealand and has consistently demonstrated his deep care for our nation. This relationship is deeply valued by our people. I have no doubt it will deepen,” he said. He paid tribute to the Queen’s “unwavering duty” at the country’s ceremony to recognize King Charles III as head of state. “With her death we enter a time of change – a time filled with sadness for her death, but also gratitude for the life she lived and the example she set. We are forever grateful for her close bond with our country, but it is a bond and affection that spans her entire family,” he said. Australia also officially recognized King Charles as the country’s new sovereign, with the governor-general and executive council making their public proclamation in Parliament, followed by a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there was “an outpouring of grief” following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “In the words of Queen Elizabeth, that sadness is the price we pay for love, I think is an apt statement for how so many Australians are feeling right now,” he said. “Today, we officially mark the new head of state in King Charles III and the proclamation – a first in my lifetime and a first in most Australians’ lifetimes – is a historic event.” Earlier on Sunday he declared September 22 an emergency holiday as a national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and that Australia had offered to fly 10 of its Pacific island counterparts and New Zealand officials to Britain for the queen’s funeral. Unlike Australia, New Zealand has yet to declare a holiday for the Queen’s death. A New Zealand government spokesman said the cabinet would consider options for a memorial service and public holiday at its meeting on Monday.
