Queen Elizabeth death: NZ opera singer Aivale Cole shocked by funeral invitation

NZ Herald's Adam Pearse reporting from London

Sitting in a cafe in Twickenham was hardly where Aivale Cole expected to be when she was invited to the most important funeral of a generation.

In fact, the 46-year-old soprano opera singer had no idea she would even be considered to be one of the few representing New Zealand at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday.

Cole, born in Wellington, didn't meet Her Majesty prior to her death but says she recognises the privilege of attending - an opportunity many Kiwis would wish for.

"It's a real honour to represent all of us Kiwis back at home in Aotearoa and all the Kiwis living all round the world that were touched by her passing," she told the Herald.

Cole will be one of about 20 New Zealanders invited to attend Monday's funeral at Westminster Abbey at 11am local time [10pm NZT].

Six official representatives - including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Governor-General Cindy Kiro, acting High Commissioner Shannon Austin and their respective spouses - have been invited.

A further 10 representatives from the New Zealand community, along with five who have been granted royal honours, also received invitations.

Cole, who had lived in London for 11 years, was chosen to represent New Zealand's arts and cultural connections to the United Kingdom.

Aivale Cole was sitting in a cafe in Twickenham when she received the surprising invitation. Photo / Supplied

Cole, of Samoan and Niuean heritage, graduated from the Australian Opera Studio with Honours and awarded the Dux Prize in 2005. Four years later, she won New Zealand's Lexus Song Quest.

While she never met the Queen, Cole was introduced to now King Charles III and the now Prince and Princess of Wales - William and Kate - at separate Commonwealth events earlier this year.

Having met the future King in June, Cole recalled the etiquette displayed by the then Prince of Wales.

"[King Charles III] was very polite, very softly spoken, so you do have to lean in a bit."

Cole said she spoke to him briefly, informing him of his sister - Princess Anne's - visit to her high school, Wellington East Girls' College, when she was a student.

Cole described the Queen's death as a "really sad moment" that had sparked an influx of messages from Kiwis back home and those abroad who valued the monarch.

"I'm definitely a fan of the Queen, she's just quite inspirational in reigning for so long."

Despite her admiration, Cole had no inclination she would take part in commemorations, much less attend the funeral.

However, sitting in a Twickenham cafe two days ago with a coffee and smoothie, she received the call confirming she had been invited.

"I'm not going to lie ... I did get a bit weak in the knees," Cole said, with a laugh.

"I was very shocked but then overwhelmed with pride for New Zealand, being able to represent our country."

The Queen's coffin arrived at Buckingham Palace late on Tuesday night [Wednesday morning NZ time]. Photo / AP

Telling her husband, Cole said she became quite emotional - recognising the enormity of the occasion.

Her sisters in Australia were briefed, who then immediately began planning what their sister might wear to a monarch's funeral.

While her attire wasn't front of mind as yet, Cole hoped Kiwis might feel part of Monday's funeral through her.

"It's the main reason I'm going ... I'm taking the whole of New Zealand [with me]."