Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended warm greetings and best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea and Head of the Commonwealth, on the occasion of his Official Birthday, observed across the country on Tuesday, June 17, with a national public holiday.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea, I extend our heartfelt greetings to His Majesty King Charles III as we join fellow Commonwealth nations in celebrating his Official Birthday,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“His Majesty continues to be a symbol of unity, stability, and service, and we in Papua New Guinea remain proud members of the Commonwealth under his reign.”
The Prime Minister reflected on His Majesty’s enduring relationship with Papua New Guinea, which dates back to his historic visit in September 1975, when, as Prince Charles, he represented Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day ceremonies in Port Moresby.
“His Majesty was present when Papua New Guinea first raised its national flag and stepped forward as an independent nation. His participation in our birth as a nation is forever etched in our history,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister also noted that Prince Charles returned to Papua New Guinea in 1984 to officially open the National Parliament Building, further deepening his personal connection with the people of PNG. “His Majesty’s ties with our country are not merely ceremonial—they are historic and heartfelt. He stood with us at our nation’s founding and again during a defining moment in our democratic journey.”
Prime Minister Marape further acknowledged King Charles III’s long-standing global leadership on environmental sustainability, Indigenous rights, and youth development— values that align closely with Papua New Guinea’s national priorities.
“As we celebrate 50 years of independence this year, Papua New Guinea reaffirms its loyalty to the Crown and its place within the Commonwealth family. May His Majesty be blessed with continued good health and wisdom in his reign.”