The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed the Book of Condolence at New Zealand House in London on Tuesday, following the Christchurch terror attack.
The Duke and Duchess greeted Jerry Mateparae, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom, with a hongi upon arrival at New Zealand House on Tuesday. The royal couple paid a somber visit to the country’s outpost in the UK to show their respects for the victims of the Christchurch terror attack.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex laid flowers and signed a book of condolence for victims on behalf of the Royal Family with a simple message: “We are with you, Arohanui”.
Duchess Meghan wrote, “our deepest condolences, we are with you” while Prince Harry signed his name with “arohanui”.
Royal commentator Rebecca English reports that the visit was unannounced.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed the Book of Condolence @NZinUK, opened following the terrorist attacks in Christchurch.
The Duke and Duchess signed the book on behalf of the @RoyalFamily — Their Royal Highnesses visited New Zealand in October 2018. pic.twitter.com/AzdsmnoS11
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 19, 2019
“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of support we’ve received from across the UK.
“Their Royal Highness’s visit is reflective of this outpouring of support and it was wonderful to welcome them to New Zealand House,” Newshub report Mateparae as saying following the visit.
Following the terror attack, several members of the royal family released statements. Meghan and Harry released a joint statement with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saying, “We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people. No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship. This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, and the broader Muslim community. It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship.”
