LONDON: A Muslim New Zealander who confronted the Christchurch mosque terrorist in 2019 is “honored” to have been invited to King Charles III’s coronation as part of the country’s official delegation.
Abdul Aziz took on Brenton Tarrant, who attacked Linwood Islamic Centre in March 2019 and killed 51 worshippers, armed only with a chip-and-pin card reader and chased him away.
The New Zealand Cross recipient will be at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday alongside officials and personalities, including Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, media outlet RNZ reported on Monday.
Aziz told New Zealand media that he was “surprised and honored” to receive the email invitation, especially as it means he will be able to visit Britain for the first time.
Aziz met and spoke with the then-Prince Charles and Prince William when they visited Christchurch in the aftermath of the attacks and said he hoped he would get another chance to speak to them during his coronation visit.
When told that Coronation Quiche is the official dish of the event, he said he had never tried it before but that if it “had been chosen by the King, it would be “amazing.”
Aziz also said he planned to do some sightseeing around the UK during his visit, and hopes to visit some UK-based family who lost an uncle in the mosque attack, adding: “They know I’m coming and they are very happy.”
