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Royal reactions to New Zealand tragedy

The British royals are not the only royals who have sent condolence messages and condemned the terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday. Denmark’s Queen, the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Sweden’s King and a Jordanian Queen as well as others have shared messages via press releases or on social media.

On Friday, a white supremacist terrorist live streamed his attack, with two accomplices, on two Christchurch mosques. Explosives were also found attached to cars in an attack that killed 49 and injured dozens more in the country’s worst terror attack in history.

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe sent a message to the Governor-General of New Zealand stating:

Your Excellency, 

Deeply shocked to learn about the tragic and terrible events in Christchurch today, I wish to express my most sincere condolences and sympathy to you and the people of New Zealand. 

My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. 

Margrethe R

In the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima remarked:

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden sent a message to the Governor-General, as well, on behalf of Queen Silvia and himself:

The Queen and I have, with profound sadness, followed the news of the brutal terrorist attack in Christchurch yesterday.

We extend our sincere condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of New Zealand.

CARL GUSTAF R

Queen Noor of Jordan, the widow of King Hussein, tweeted:

Her stepson, King Abdullah remarked:

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain also sent out a tweet saying, “Anywhere in the world, terrorists only leave desolation, pain and tragedy in families and societies. Our support for the people of New Zealand and their authorities in these hours of dismay after the massacre in the Christchurch mosques.”

Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece remarked, “This is heartbreaking news of the 49 innocent people gunned down at their house of worship in New Zealand. My prayers, thoughts and condolences go out to the families and especially children left behind. This needless hatred and violence has [sic] no place in our life.”

Princess Tessy of Luxembourg said:

The King of Morocco sent a cable of condolence to the Governor-General condemning the attack. His Majesty said, in part, that the “racist aggression and the sinful terrorism which targeted safe worshippers in abhorrent violation of the sanctity of places of worship and universal human values of coexistence, tolerance, and brotherhood.”

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed of Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack. The King called it a “heinous criminal act” and said terrorism is “denounced by all religions, norms and international charters.”

Any other messages will be added when/if they come in. Please check back.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.