Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryare sharing their condolences with the grieving country of New Zealand, which recently welcomed them with open arms.
Wearing all black and walking hand-in-hand, the couple, who areexpecting their first child in April, made a surprise visit to New Zealand House in London on Tuesday afternoon to sign a book of condolences for the victims ofFriday’s terrorist attackin Christchurch, where 50 people died and dozens more were injured after a gunman opened fire on two mosques. A 28-year-old man has since been charged with murder.
Meghan wrote: “Our deepest condolences. We are with you.” Harry signed his name with “Arohanui,” which is Maori for “best wishes.”
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
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Meghan wore special jewelry for the occasion: thegold Boh Runga Discologo stud earringswhich were given to her as a gift fromNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardernduring the couple’s royal tour. According to the brand’s website, “in Māori mythology the Miromiro feather was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you.”
On Friday, Kensington Palaceissued a joint statementon behalf ofPrince William,Kate Middleton, Harry, and Meghan, where the royal couples referred to the “senseless attacks” as a “horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship.”
Meghan Markle.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Both couples previously spent time in Christchurch, where two mosques were attacked. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridgewere last there in 2014, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who areexpecting their first child in April—recently visited in October 2018as part of their 16-dayroyal tourof Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
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Phil Walter/Getty
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in the devastating attack in Christchurch,” the lengthy statementbegan, alongside a photo of the New Zealand flag.
“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,” they wrote. “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,” the royal foursome continued.
“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.”
source: people.com
