Press Release
19th January 2008
In the immediate aftermath of the death of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, KG ONZ KBE, there were reports that a senior member of the Royal Family might attend the funeral. When it was announced that this was unlikely to happen there was a reaction, in some sections of the media and the general public, reminiscent of the hysterical reaction after the death of the late Diana Princess of Wales, when the flag on Buckingham Palace was not flown at half mast. Some commentators spoke of a snub or slight to New Zealand.
The reality is that members of the Royal Family simply do not attend the funerals of prominent people, however exalted. The only exception is for the funerals of past and present heads of State and Government, and royal consorts. It would be remarkable if a member of the Royal Family had come.
Evidence for the high regard in which Sir Edmund was held by the Royal Family is plain to see. He was, after all, knighted by The Queen immediately after the ascent of Mount Everest, which took place at the time of The Queen’s Coronation. He was a Knight of the Garter – an honour which is awarded personally by The Queen, and regularly attended the annual Garter Service at Windsor Castle.
The Queen’s representative in New Zealand is the Governor-General, and Her Majesty has asked the Hon Anand Satyanand to represent her at the funeral. In addition to the initial letter of condolence from Her Majesty – again an unusual honour – and the wreath to be presented at the Lying-in-State, The Queen has offered the Hillary family a memorial service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in April.
Sir Edmund, who we have always been told was a modest man, would have been hurt and upset that his death would be used for political purposes, or as an opportunity to attack the Royal Family.
Professor Noel Cox
Chairman,
The Monarchist League of New Zealand Inc.