RIP Sir Edmund Hillary

They have just announced that New Zealand’s favourite son, Sir Edmund Hillary, has died this morning aged 88.

His passing will be mourned around the world. He is unique in being the only Knight of the Garter, which is given at the personal discretion of the Queen and limited to 20 worldwide, who was not awarded it for government or royal service.

He is also near unique for being featured on the bank notes of a western country, while still alive.  Apart from monarchs, this is almost never done in case they later do something inappropriate.

I expect his funeral service will be the largest NZ has seen in modern times.  A giant has truly fallen.