Royal Family: Royal House calls Christchurch attacks "barbaric"
"The terrible events in Christchurch have deeply affected me," read the first words from Queen Elizabeth II's (92) statement. The British monarch responded to the attacks on two New Zealand mosques on the night of Friday, in which a total of 49 people were killed and many more were injured. Her thoughts and prayers, as well as those of her husband Prince Philip (99), are "in this tragic time" among "families and friends of those who have lost their lives." Since 1986, New Zealand has a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.
William, Kate, Harry and Meghan join
Both Prince William (36) and Duchess Kate (37) as well as Prince Harry (34) and Duchess Meghan (37) are no strangers to New Zealand. In recent years, they have all been "lucky enough to spend time in Christchurch". In their joint statement, they like to remember the "warm, open-minded and generous spirit" that people would carry in their hearts. The attacks on the churches condemn the Four as "meaningless" and "insulting to the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, and the wider Muslim community."
"Nobody should ever be afraid to visit a sacred place of worship," it said in their official message, which was also posted on Twitter. They are all certain, "that the people of New Zealand will unite from this devastation and deep mourning, to show that this evil can never conquer compassion and tolerance." Her statement ends with the words "Kia Kaha", an expression of the Maori meaning "Stay strong".
In addition to Queen Elizabeth II and the young Royal generation, Prince Charles (70) and Duchess Camilla (71) also spoke out on the "barbaric attacks" in their eyes. They disapprove of the act as a "horrible cruelty," which affects not only the people of New Zealand. Instead, it is an attack on those who "value religious freedom, tolerance, compassion, and fellowship." Nevertheless, the successor to the throne is certain: "The people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to win over these things."
