With plans to ditch monarchy in mind, New Zealand PM meets Prince William

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who doesn't support the monarchy, on Tuesday met Prince William.

The official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales released a picture of the meeting between William and the prime minister.

Chris Hipkins thinks his country should become a republic but has no plans to pursue that goal and will pledge allegiance to King Charles III at the Coronation.

Before departing New Zealand to attend the King’s coronation in London, Hipkins talked frankly about his views on the monarchy.

He was clear he did not support its continued rule over New Zealand.

He also confirmed he would meet Charles and “several members” of the royal family while in the United Kingdom this week.

“I believe that we should ultimately be an independent country.”

While he doesn’t support the monarchy, Hipkins said he would not discuss his views on it with Charles. He said he also did not intend to pursue secession as prime minister.

New Zealand is one of just 14 countries that still hold the British monarch as their head of state.