New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK Bede Corry talks to Queen about Zoom

New Zealand’s top diplomat to Britain has had a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate his appointment to the post.

Bede Corry recently started as New Zealand High Commissioner in the UK, and yesterday met the British monarch on a video call.

It came days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also revealed that she had received a phone call from Her Majesty, who checked in to see how New Zealand was doing and wished everyone a “wonderful break.”

Arden said in an Instagram post that the Queen shared memories of her time when she visited New Zealand during the Christmas season.

However, Corry’s audience seemed more formal.

“Today I had the great privilege of a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand,” Corry posted on Twitter.

“I was proud to wear the Ngāi Tahu Korowai to commemorate this occasion so graciously extended by His Majesty @RoyalFamily.”

The Royal Family also issued a statement regarding the meeting.

“Mr Bede Corry was received by the Queen via video link this afternoon following his appointment as High Commissioner for New Zealand in London.”

Meanwhile, the Queen and Prince Philip changed their Christmas plans for the first time in decades and would spend the Christmas season at Windsor Castle, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.

The royal family traditionally celebrate Christmas on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, but the pandemic forced them to make big changes.

The 94-year-old Queen and 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh may be able to see some of the family briefly, but they likely spend most of the holiday celebrations alone.