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British RoyalsPrincess Anne and Family

The Princess Royal signs Book of Condolence for victims of Christchurch attacks

By
21st March 2019

The Princess Royal has paid tribute to those killed in the shootings at two mosques in New Zealand last week. Princess Anne visited New Zealand House where she signed the book of condolence now open there in memory of the fifty people who were killed in the attacks in the city of Christchurch.

Photo credit: Royal Family Instagram

The princess wrote ‘’My fond memories of a friendly city I remember with affection. I can only offer my thoughts and prayers to the victims, families, friends and all the people of New Zealand’’. The message was signed ‘Anne’.

The princess visited the base for the High Commission of New Zealand in London, on March 20th 2019. The current High Commissioner, Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General of New Zealand, welcomed Anne and accompanied her throughout her visit.

Meanwhile, her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, signed the Book of Condolence opened at the New Zealand Parliament in Auckland, representing the Queen. He has been in the country in his role as Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth Graves Commission.

Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited New Zealand House to pay their own tribute to those killed. Harry and Meghan were given traditional Hongi greetings on their arrival. They went on to leave hand tied bouquets of flowers featuring lily of the valley, ferns and veronica among other blooms.

The couple then signed the Book of Condolence where the Duchess of Sussex wrote ‘’Our deepest condolences, we are with you’’ while the Duke wrote ‘’Arohanui’’, which means ‘’much love’’ in Maori.  The couple were asked to make the visit by the Queen as they were the last members of the Royal Family to visit New Zealand.

Following the attacks, the Sussexes along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent condolences to the New Zealand people as did the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Queen also sent her deepest sympathies, saying that she was ”deeply saddened” and added ”I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives”.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.