Prince William is in New Zealand for Anzac Day to pay tribute to those who died in the devastating Christchurch mosque massacre.
The Duke of Cambridge was met by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland with a traditional Karanga at a Maori welcoming ceremony.
William bowed his head in memory of those who lost their lives in both the Christchurch and Sri Lanka attacks before laying a wreath at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited recently in October.
His wreath read, “We will never forget the sacrifice of the Anzacs. With deep gratitude, William.”
He left the memorial and waved to the crowds before heading to Christchurch to meet with survivors and families of those lost. He will visit Christchurch Hospital and the Al Noor Mosque. After that, he will head to the Linwood mosque and lay a wreath at the Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.
One of the children he met was five-year-old Alen Alsati, who woke up from a coma earlier this week after suffering critical injuries in the attack.
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Renovations on the mosques have been underway to get them back up and running and before Prince William visits.
Ardern spoke of Prince William’s visit, noting that it will “bring comfort to those affected.”
“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.”
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Buckingham Palace said of his visit: “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.”
Other members of the Royal Family, including the Duchess of Cambridge, will mark Anzac Day in London.
