Prince William Visits The Site Of The Terrorist Attack In Christchurch

On Friday, Prince William visited a mosque in New Zealand where 42 people were killed in March in a tragic terrorist attack.

Accompanied by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, the Duke of Cambridge met with families, first responders, and leaders of the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch.

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“The message from Christchurch and the message from Al Noor and Linwood mosques could not be more clear – this global ideology of hate will fail to divide us." The Duke of Cambridge visited Al Noor and Linwood mosques to meet families affected by the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack. Among those The Duke met was Farid Ahmad, who lost his wife in the attack on Al Noor Mosque. Farid's wife Husna Ahmad led a group of children to safety from Al Noor Mosque during the attack, but was killed while returning to rescue her husband. The Duke of Cambridge also visited Christchurch and Burwood Hospitals to meet victims of the attack, and thank staff for their incredible work treating them.

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“The message from Christchurch and the message from Al Noor and Linwood mosques could not be more clear – the global ideology of hate will fail to divide us,” he said in a speech.

“You showed the way we must respond to hate with love,” he added. “You showed that when a particular community is targeted with hate and violence, simple acts like wearing a headscarf or broadcasting the call to prayer can reassure those who have reason to be afraid.”

READ: Is Prince William’s New Zealand Trip Another Clue About The Royal Baby’s Birth?

Along his two-day visit, William also visited with the brave survivors of the shootings, including 5-year-old Alen Alsati, who is being treated at the Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland.

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The Duke of Cambridge meets five year old Alen Alsati and her father Wasseim, who are recovering in Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland after being injured in the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack. Alen woke from a coma earlier this week after suffering critical injuries in the attack. The Duke of Cambridge thanked the staff of Starship Children’s Hospital for their incredible work treating the Auckland-based victims of the attack.

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Alen sweetly asked the Duke if he had a daughter, in which he responded, “Yeah, she’s called Charlotte…she’s about the same age as you.”

As he concludes his trip, the official Kensington Royal Instagram account shared William’s final sentiment to the people of Christchurch.

“I stand with you in gratitude for what you have taught the world these past weeks,” he said.

READ: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Make Surprise Appearance To Honor New Zealand Shooting Victims

“I stand with you in optimism about the future of this great city,” he continued. “I stand with you in grief for those we have lost and with support of those who survived. And I stand with you in firm belief that the forces of love will always prevail over the forces of hate.”