Charles also gave a speech while visiting the school, and displayed some pretty powerful empathy. Here's what he said:
“I can only say how much you have been in our thoughts and prayers as you have sought to come to terms with the appalling atrocity that was perpetrated on this community.
“I believe I may know something, just something perhaps, of the terrible anguish you have suffered, having lost my own beloved great-uncle as well as one of my godsons when they were murdered by terrorists some 40 years ago.
“I can appreciate therefore the intense grief and anger that you have faced and the terrible despair that can result. It seems to me the only possible remedy for such understandable feelings of despite is hope.
“The worst of times, it seems to me, can so often bring out the very best in us all.
“In the wake of the terrible events of March 15, we have seen many examples of this as all the communities of Christchurch have stood proudly with their Muslim brothers and sisters, as those who have suffered so grievously have shown such dignity in response.
“In all of this, the strength of New Zealand character, which I have long admired, has shone through with tolerance, courage and compassion on such conspicuous display.
“In the midst of the most dreadful loss there is, therefore, cause for great hope.”
Charles closed his speech with “strength and courage to us all” in Māori.
Photo: © Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images
