King Charles shares message in Matariki after abandoning New Zealand trip plans

“It is a time to remember those we have lost, to come together and to look forward to a bright year ahead.”

The message from Buckingham Palace then focused on this year’s Matariki theme, Heri Kai (or the Festival of Matariki).

The king said this “makes us grateful for the abundance of the natural world – the forests, gardens, streams and oceans that sustain us”.

“Wherever you are this Matariki season, I hope you have the opportunity to share food in a friendly way with your friends, family or community. »

The letter follows the announcement that King Charles and Queen Camilla would be leaving New Zealand and reducing their stay in Australia during their upcoming Downunder tour.

According to MirrorThe king changed his plans for the Oceania tour due to doctors’ fears he was overdoing it after being diagnosed with cancer.

He and Queen Camilla are still reportedly touring Australia and Samoa in October, but his Australian tour has been cut short by six days.

A Buckingham Palace insider told the Mirror“Naturally it will be a bitter disappointment to both parties that the King and Queen are not given the opportunity to visit New Zealand, but of course all are aware of the current state of health of the King and Queen. the need for him to moderate himself. »

The king was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and returned to public duties in April.

Charles last visited New Zealand as Prince of Wales, with Camilla as Duchess of Cornwall in 2019, stopping off in Auckland, Waitangi, Christchurch and Kaikōura.