Incoming NZ Governor-General makes the Queen giggle with quip during virtual audience
Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a little chuckle during a virtual audience held with incoming New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro earlier this week.
The Governor-General Designate told Her Majesty her swearing-in was fast approaching but joked that the 95-year-old monarch has seen it all before.
"It will be a big day — something you've gone through many times, many Governor-Generals," Dame Cindy quipped, making the Queen giggle.
Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a little chuckle during a virtual audience held with incoming New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro earlier this week Supplied/Buckingham Palace
"Indeed, I have, yes," she replied.
Her Majesty may have experienced some technical difficulties to start with on Monday's call from Windsor Castle, kicking off the conversation with: "Ah! There you are."
Dame Cindy, who spoke to Her Majesty from Government House in Wellington, curtsied for the Queen and said "good evening", before adding that it was the start of the day in New Zealand.
"Oh of course, it's good morning, isn't it for you?" the monarch added with a big smile.
The Governor-General Designate told Her Majesty her swearing-in was fast approaching but joked that the 95-year-old monarch has seen it all before Supplied/Buckingham Palace
The Queen then clarified with her representative in New Zealand when her new position comes into effect, asking: "So you are taking over quite soon, aren't you?"
"Thursday is the swearing-in," Dame Cindy replied, to which the Queen described the ceremony as a "big day".
During the call, the Queen invested Dame Cindy with the Insignia of a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and of a Companion of The Queen's Service Order of New Zealand
Dame Cindy, who was appointed by The Queen upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, will be New Zealand's 22nd Governor-General and the 15th during Queen Elizabeth's reign.
Dame Cindy, who was appointed by The Queen upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, will be New Zealand's 22nd Governor-General Supplied/Government House New Zealand
She will be taking over the role from Dame Patsy Reddy, who was sworn in back in 2016.
Dame Cindy, a distinguished academic, became the first woman, and Māori, to be appointed as Children's Commissioner in New Zealand back in 2003.
The 62-year-old was also appointed as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to child well-being and education in the New Year Honours 2021.
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