New Zealand Mourns Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has remembered Queen Elizabeth II as “extraordinary” in remarks echoed by leaders across the political spectrum as the country marked its first day of mourning for the monarch’s death, Charlotte Graham-McLay writes for The Guardian.

“Over her reign, she has come to define notions of service, charity and consistency,” Ardern told reporters at parliament in Wellington on 9 September, the day after the death of the monarch. Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to her role was “without question and unwavering,” Ardern said.

“She has also demonstrated courage, compassion and humour.”

The relationship between the British crown and New Zealand – a country increasingly attempting to envision its own youthful and multicultural identity – was “a question for another day,” said Marama Davidson, the co-leader of New Zealand’s Green party.

The Queen visited New Zealand 10 times, the first over the summer of 1953-54 when she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited 46 cities and towns and attended 110 functions, Graham-McLay reports.

Original article by Charlotte Graham-McLay, The Guardian, September 8, 2022.