Prince making visit to support victims
CHRISTCHURCH: A royal visit is usually cause for clamouring crowds and speculation about where the best places are to catch a glimpse, but this week’s visit by Prince William is expected to be a little more solemn.
The Duke of Cambridge is touching down in the country this morning for a twoday visit but he will spend most of his time in Christchurch to pay respects to those affected by the mosque shootings.
Ten people remain in hospital more than a month on from the shootings. Five of them are in Christchurch.
He will also visit Al Noor and Linwood mosques and Christchurch’s Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.
University of Canterbury Muslim Students’ Association head Bariz Shah said Prince William’s visit meant a lot.
‘‘We honour Prince William’s empathy if it is his top agenda to come and see the victims. Just like we honour the empathy of the New Zealand people.
‘‘Prince William coming in and showing his empathy would mean a lot, not only to the students, but to the wider Muslim community as well.’’
Along with the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, Mr Shah has written to Prince William requesting he meet students directly affected by the March 15 attacks.
He has also suggested the British government or Royal Family set up some sort of scholarship as a tangible show of solidarity.
‘‘We have a student in the University of Canterbury for example, who lost his father and brother and he’s actually a really bright kid.
‘‘He’s finishing his degree here at UC but maybe a masters or a PhD scholarship somewhere in UK, something like that would be awesome and it would actually stay with the people for the rest of their lives.’’
Security detailing around the Prince’s visit has not been made public, but is expected to be tight.
Police said they were well practised and experienced in policing visits of high profile individuals, but for operational reasons could not go into any details about what such security would look like. — RNZ