Kiingi Tuheitia, the Maori king who called for unity among New Zealand’s Indigenous tribes during his 18 years in his ceremonial but influential role, died on Friday. He was 69.

The coffin with the body of New Zealand's Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, is carried up Taupiri Mountain for burial in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia has died only days after celebrating 18 years of his rule. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Britain's King Charles were among those who expressed sorrow.

The King said he is “profoundly saddened” by the death of Maori king Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, a decades-long friend to the British Royal family. Kiingi Tuheitia died in New Zealand ...

The Kiingitanga — Maori King movement — was founded in 1858 with the aim of uniting New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori under a single sovereign. Kiingi Tuheitia was the seventh Kiingitanga monarch.

Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Maori King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae meets with Britain’s Prince Charles (unseen) in Ngaruawahia, south of Auckland, New Zealand November 8, 2015.

New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died on Friday morning surrounded by his wife and three children. He was 69. The monarch was admitted to a hospital, ...

Maori Queen Nga Wai Hono i te Po was anointed on Thursday, a week after the death of her father, who had been king for 18 years. Phil Walter/Getty Images hide caption ...

Maori Queen Nga Wai Hono i te Po was anointed on Thursday, a week after the death of her father, who had been king for 18 years. Phil Walter / Getty Images ...

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died peacefully on Friday morning at age 69, according to a statement released by his representatives.

New Zealand’s Maori Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has died at the age of 69. Aides for the king of the country’s Indigenous Maori people said he died in hospital on Friday.

The Maori king, Kiingi Tuheiti (L), died Friday at the age of 69. Here he is seen in November 2015 with then Prince Charles (C), who has since been anointed king, and his wife, Queen Camilla.