Public holiday to be observed in New Zealand in honour of Queen Elizabeth's passing
Public holiday to be observed in New Zealand in honour of Queen Elizabeth's passing
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The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today that New Zealand will observe a one-time public holiday on September 26 to honour Queen Elizabeth II.

Ms. Ardern told reporters in Wellington, “I think this will be a chance to honour Queen Elizabeth II for her lifetime of service to New Zealand.

The queen served as our sovereign and head of state, thus we need to recognise that this is a once in 70-year event.

Ms. Ardern continued, “She made a significant contribution to New Zealand” through her public service. A chapter’s “major turning moment” is at hand.

On the same day, a state memorial service will be held in the Cathedral of St. Paul in the nation’s capital.

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The Queen’s Funeral will be held in London on September 14, and Prime Minister Ardern indicated that she will travel there before continuing on to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Following Australia’s lead, a national holiday has been declared for September 22 in New Zealand.

Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, is also travelling to London to attend the funeral.

King Charles III was formally proclaimed monarch yesterday in Australia and New Zealand.

Despite having been independent for many years, both of the former British colonies still maintain a monarch as their head of state.