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WELLINGTON: Prince William will travel to New Zealand next month to pay tribute to the victims of the shooting of the Christchurch Mosque, which claimed the lives of 50 people, Premier Jacinda Ardern and the Palace announced Kensington Thursday, March 28
The National Victims Commemoration Service on Friday said that William, the Duke of Cambridge, would represent his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, official head of state of ancient British colony.
"This visit will be another sign that the nation will always stand by the people affected by the terrorist attacks and the people of Christchurch," she said in a statement.
The Royals have already expressed sympathy for the shooting attacks on two Christchurch mosques earlier this month by a self-proclaimed white supremacist.
Kensington Palace stated that the visit, which will take place in late April, would have taken place at the request of Ardern.
"The duke will meet the victims He will attack and pay tribute to the extraordinary compbadion and solidarity shown by the people of New Zealand in recent weeks," the statement said.
Ardern stated that William had a close connection with Christchurch and the surrounding area of Canterbury after visiting the city of South Island in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people.
William paid a two-day visit to Christchurch following the earthquake to attend a memorial service. He and his wife Kate also visited the city in 2014.
After the attacks of the mosque, William, Kate, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan sent a message ending "Kia kaha", meaning "be strong "in maori.
"No one should have to fear attending a sacred place of worship," he said.
"This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand as well as for the entire Muslim community. a way of life that embodies decency, community and friendship. "
Ardern led efforts to support the small, closely united Muslim community of New Zealand following the attack.
As well as symbolic gestures such as wearing while comforting the survivors, she also decided to strengthen gun laws and called on social media giants to further fight hate speech.
She described Friday's memorial service as an opportunity for New Zealanders to again show their inclusive values.
But she said that she was careful that the trauma caused by the worst mbad shooting in New Zealand would last long after the service rendered this week and that William's visit was a sign of continued support.
"I am sure that all New Zealanders, but especially the Muslim community of Christchurch, will appreciate the compbadion and support that i have been tangibly manifested since the attack, continue in the future, "she said.
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