Kiingi Tuheitia Congratulates Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

23 July 2013

Kiingi Tuheitia Congratulates Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Kiingi Tuheitia has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son and heir.

“This is a joyous occasion for the Duke and Duchess as proud parents of a baby boy, for the British people, and the New Zealand people as loyal subjects of the Crown,” said Kiingi Tuheitia.

"The birth of a child in these times is a positive recognition of whakapapa and tradition inside this very important Royal House.”

As part of preparations for the birth of the third in line to the succession, the King commissioned his Royal Artisans to create a gift, themed around Matariki (the constellation of Pleiades) and focused on all seven stars of the constellation, named Ururangi, Tupuaarangi, Tupuaanuku, Waipuaarangi, Waiti, Waitaa, and Matariki.

The gift has been in the planning for some time.

Kiingi Tuheitia asked that the gift carry the love and best wishes of all the Rangatira of Aotearoa and instructed his artisans to ensure that Te Tai Hauauru, Te Tairawhiti, Te Tai Tonga and Maiteraki feature in the design of the gift.

During a recent courtesy call to Kiingi Tuheitia, the Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, agreed to ensure that the Kiingitanga gift reached the palace as quickly as possible.

ENDS

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