The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent a personal message to the out-going Prime Minister of New Zealand as her time in office draws to a close.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the shock announcement last week that she planned to step down as her country’s government leader in order to spend more time with her family.
On Twitter, William and Catherine wrote: “Thank you @jacindaardern for your friendship, leadership and support over the years, not least at the time of my grandmother’s death. Sending you, Clarke and Neve our best wishes. W & C”
Over her years as Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ardern was frequently on the global stage with members of the British Royal Family—New Zealand is one of the Commonwealth realms where King Charles III is head of state.
Ardern enjoyed a close friendship with William and Catherine during her tenure, working with the Prince of Wales on his environmental initiatives.
In September 2022, William specifically asked Ardern to speak on his behalf at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York after he had to cancel his appearance following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
At the summit, Ardern said that she was humbled to have been asked to step in for William, and that “I am an exceptionally poor substitute, but I also know we all understand the need for His Royal Highness to be with his family at this time.”
Two months before that, William met with Ardern on her first official UK visit since the pandemic began for a private audience.
Ardern had previously announced that she would run for a third term as New Zealand Prime Minister in 2023, however she made the decision to step down during a Labour Party leadership conference, and told the press, “I know what this job takes and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple. We need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge.”
Her successor, Chris Hipkins, was chosen on 22 January, and her resignation as Prime Minister came on 25 January.
Hipkins becomes the second New Zealand Prime Minister of King Charles III’s reign, and is expected to hold the position until the next general election in October 2023.