Prince William pays tribute to Sgt Matt Ratana who was killed in the line of duty

Prince William visited a Metropolitan Police custody suite in Croydon, South London, on Wednesday to pay tribute to hero police officer, Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last year. Ratana served in the police for 30 years after moving to the United Kingdom from New Zealand in 1989. In September 2020, Ratana was shot in the chest while preparing to search a handcuffed suspect. The suspect , a 23-year-old man, was also shot in the incident and remains under police guard in hospital, still too ill to be questioned.

The Duke of Cambridge laid a wreath of flowers at a memorial bench made in honour of Ratana. He also took the time to speak with the Commissioner of Police Dame Cressida Dick, and he spoke privately with Ratana’s partner, Su Bushby, who took part in a moment of reflection with friends and officers.

When he arrived, the Duke said: “I’ve wanted to come here for a while.”

In response, Cressida said: “It’s going to mean a lot to people.”

Speaking with Ratan’s former colleague and friend, Sgt Steve Braithwaite, the Duke said: “Clearly he was the heart and soul of the police station. He liked his hugs as well apparently. He left behind a legacy and touched a lot of lives.”

The Duke was then shown a gym the cop had built in a converted store room, a gym his colleagues say was a legacy to the late Sergeant.

“Meeting The Duke today brought back many fond memories of Matt, his enormous energy, his sense of duty, and his overwhelming kindness,” said Inspector Wil Ajose-Adeogun, one of Ratana’s line managers and close friends.

“He was not just our colleague, he was our dear friend. His personality was the life and sound of Croydon Custody Centre and we all miss him dearly.”

The Duke’s visit took place during Mental Health Awareness Week. During his visit, the Duke heard of the work the Met is carrying out to support the mental health of its workforce. He also met Dexter, the MPS’s first welfare and wellbeing support dog.

In his memory, The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation has been set up. Helping to find local training, and exchange experiences for rugby clubs in New Zealand, while also improving facilities in the United Kingdom.