The royal family shares an emotional message to everyone that was affected by the Christchurch shootings

Publish Date
Monday, 18 March 2019, 3:22PM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

Princes William and Harry and their wives Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, issued a message to New Zealand in the wake of Friday's mosque attacks in Christchurch.

Taking to social media, the families posted an image of the New Zealand flag on their Kensington Palace Instagram account. They captioned it with a heartfelt message detailing their fond memories of time spent in Christchurch with its "remarkable people":

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“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch. 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. We know that from this devastation and deep mourning, the people of New Zealand will unite to show that such evil can never defeat compassion and tolerance. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Zealand today. Kia Kaha.” — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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The royals denounced the attacks as a "horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship" and acknowledged "no person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship."

The message, which generated almost 1000 comments, was signed off with: "Kia Kaha."

Other members of the British royal family have spoken out following the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 50 people in Christchurch.

Queen Elizabeth was the first to issue messages of sympathy, saying it was a tragedy for such a great nation.

"I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch. Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.

"I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured.

"At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders."

Just an hour later Prince Charles released his sympathies, writing "this appalling atrocity is an insult on all of us who cherish freedom.

"Both my wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the most barbaric attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, which resulted in the cruel and tragic loss of so many people's lives. It is beyond all belief that so many should have been killed and injured at their place of worship and our most special and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

"This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community. I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families, the first responders, the people of Christchurch and all New Zealanders at this most heartbreaking of times."

 

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