Prince on flying visit to meet survivors
The Duke of Cambridge will meet survivors of the mosque terror attacks in Christchurch during a two-day visit to New Zealand on Thursday and Friday next week, the Government has confirmed.
Prince William will attend events in Auckland on Thursday April 25, Anzac Day, before travelling to Christchurch the next day to meet survivors and their families, first responders and the wider Muslim community, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
“The Duke has a close connection with New Zealand and in particular Christchurch. His visit provides the opportunity to pay tribute to those affected by the mosque terrorist attacks and show support to the local and national community,” she said.
“We welcome this visit by His Royal Highness and know it will bring comfort to those affected.”
Ardern confirmed last month that William would visit New Zealand after the March 15 attacks on two mosques.
“The Duke will meet with those affected by the attack and will pay tribute to the extraordinary compassion and solidarity that the people of New Zealand have displayed in recent weeks,” a statement from Kensington Palace said at the time.
Fifty people were killed in the attacks on the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Mosque. Dozens more were injured.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last visited New Zealand in 2014.
Prince William also visited New Zealand following the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011.
The Duke will meet with those affected by the attack and will pay tribute to the extraordinary compassion and solidarity that the people of NZ have displayed. Kensington Palace