THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN
The Queen has asked that the Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO, represent Her Majesty in both a personal and official capacity at the State Funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary on Tuesday, the 22nd January, 2008.
A personal wreath from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will also be laid at the Lying-in-State prior to the Service at St. Mary's Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland.
In addition, Her Majesty has offered the Hillary family a Memorial Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in April. The date is yet to be confirmed. As Sir Edmund was a Knight of the Garter, the Memorial Service will include the "laying up" of Sir Edmund's banner in St George's Chapel. The family will also be invited to attend an audience with The Queen following the Service.
