Prince William visited Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, where he spoke at the Al Noor mosque to share his grief over the horrific March 15 terrorist attacks targeting mosques in the city, taking the lives of 50 victims.
As People reports, the prince referenced the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, as he paid tribute to the victims.
“I stand with you in firm belief that the forces of love will always prevail over the forces of hate,” said the Duke of Cambridge, adding that the terrorists’ intent of provoking “fear and distrust” did not pan out because “New Zealanders had other plans. The people of Al Noor and Linwood mosques had other plans. In a moment of acute pain, you stood up and you stood together. And in reaction to tragedy, you achieved something remarkable.”
RELATED: Prince William To Visit New Zealand To Honour The Mosque Shooting Victims
As William explained, “I have had reasons myself to reflect on grief and sudden pain and loss in my own life. And in my role, I have often seen up close the sorrow of others in moments of tragedy, as I have today.”
Getting personal, the prince continued: “What I have realized is that of course grief can change your outlook. You don’t ever forget the shock, the sadness and the pain. But I do not believe that grief changes who you are. Grief — if you let it — will reveal who you are. It can reveal depths that you did not know you had.”
He added: “The startling weight of grief can burst any bubble of complacency in how you live your life, and help you to live up to the values you espouse.”
RELATED: Prince William Pays Tribute To Christchurch Mosque Shooting Victims In New Zealand
Earlier in the week, William visited Auckland, where he laid a wreath at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Written upon the wreath: “We will never forget the sacrifice of the Anzacs. With deep gratitude, William.”
