PNG offers condolences on the Queen’s death, invites King Charles to visit

​The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea has met with King Charles III and invited the new monarch to visit. 

Prime Minister James Marape travelled with his wife to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, which will be held tonight at 10pm New Zealand time. 

Prior to their face-to-face meeting on Sunday, Marape received a phone call from the King, and was able to express his condolences. 

“It is not a good time to talk to you now, in the passing of our Queen. But I am happy that you have visited Papua New Guinea four times. We are very fond of you. 

“It is a sad time that you have taken the throne, and I am here to witness your ascension as well as be part of the occasion where we lay your mother, our beloved Queen, to rest.”

King Charles says he has ‘particularly fond memories’ of being in Papua New Guinea’ and thanked Marape for making the trip to London, especially following the country’s recent earthquakes. 

Marape says the nation remembers when King Charles visited in his former role as the Prince of Wales, and encouraged him to come again.  

“Your Majesty, if you don’t mind. In three years’ time, your country Papua New Guinea will be celebrating 50 years of Independence. I would like to, on behalf of your people in PNG, place a call to you, if you can be our chief guest on that occasion.”

To which the monarch replied, “That’s so kind of you, I shall see what I can do. I should have to brush up my Pidgin to make sure.

“But many, many thanks and my kindest thoughts and wishes to you. I absolutely love Papua New Guinea, which I hold very much in my heart.”