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The New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK has had an audience with the Queen.
Bede Corry meets with Queen Elizabeth II via video link as he begins his role as New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK. Source: Bede Corry / Twitter
Buckingham Palace confirmed the virtual meeting in a statement, saying that “Mr. Bede Corry was received by the Queen via video link following his appointment as High Commissioner for New Zealand in London.”
Corry wore a Ngai Tahu korowai to mark the special occasion and shared the photo on Twitter of his meeting with the 94-year-old monarch.
“Today I was granted the great privilege of a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II,” he said.
Before Covid, one-on-one diplomatic hearings used to last around 20 minutes, during which time the queen and her guest can share a private, unrecorded conversation.
Typically, there are more than 170 London-based ambassadors and high commissioners. Typically the event is full of pomp and ceremony befitting a meeting with the Queen with ambassadors or high commissioners who may even bring family members to share the big day.
Corry served as Deputy Executive Director of MFAT, having previously served as Under Secretary for Australia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
He was also an ambassador to Thailand and on New Zealand missions in Washington and Canberra.
He replaced Sir Jerry Mateparae in August.
