The National Business Review reviews Peter Hamilton’s book on his life as a diplomat for New Zealand, New Moons for Sam.
Heads of state receive a much higher status than governors-general in the protocol of all countries, but especially those with monarchies. Hamilton argues this second-string status affects New Zealand’s trade and other opportunities. Queen Elizabeth II cannot represent New Zealand as a head of state. If anything, in Hamilton’s experience, the royals in general are indifferent to New Zealand’s interests.
An interesting note from MFAT though:
Despite a Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade denial that head-of-state protocol has hampered New Zealand’s diplomatic initiatives, it is only recently that a governor-general has travelled overseas specifically to promote the country at this level.
However, the NBR also adds:
Hamilton makes a persuasive case and his claims cannot easily be dismissed. He was once New Zealand’s ambassador in Germany, from where he was also accredited to most other countries in central Europe. He was also head of the mission in Singapore. In both cases, protocol was important. It is reflected in the fact that European monarchies, such as the Netherlands, will only reciprocate invitations from other heads of state.
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