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Christchurch shootings: Meghan and Harry pay tribute to victims

Reuters The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex arrive at the New Zealand High Commission in LondonReuters
New Zealand's High Commissioner to the UK welcomes the couple with a traditional Maori greeting

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid their respects to the Christchurch shootings victims during a visit to New Zealand's High Commission in London.

Prince Harry and Meghan were greeted by High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae before laying flowers and signing a book of condolence.

They wrote "we are with you" before signing off with the Maori word "arohanui", which means "much love".

Fifty people died in shootings at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

The duke and duchess were among the first people to sign the book of condolence, which the High Commission says will be open for visitors to sign until 17:30 GMT on Thursday.

Sir Jerry welcomed the couple with a traditional Maori welcome, called a Hongi, in which participants press their faces together.

PA Meghan greets New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, Sir Jerry MateparaePA
Meghan greets Sir Jerry Mateparae

The couple added their bouquets of flowers to those left by members of the public outside the building.

Meghan wore a pair of earrings given to her by New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, when she and Harry visited the country on their first official tour as a married couple last year.

PA The couple's message in the book of condolencePA
The couple's message in the book of condolence
Getty Images The Duchess of Sussex signs a book of condolenceGetty Images

Prince Harry also visited Christchurch in 2015 when he was told about the city's efforts to regenerate after an earthquake which struck the city in 2011.

Asked about his connection to Christchurch, Harry said: "It's just very sad."

Meghan added she had been left "devastated" by the shootings.

Sir Jerry said it was "wonderful" to host the royal guests.

He added: "We are overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of support we've received from across the UK."

PA Meghan lays flowersPA
PA Prince Harry lays flowers outside the commissionPA
PA The Duchess of Sussex arrives at the High CommissionPA
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Following last Friday's shootings, the royal couple issued a joint message with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in which they called the attack "senseless", saying: "No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship."

They ended the message with the Maori words "Kia Kaha", meaning "stay strong".

The Queen paid tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who helped the injured, saying: "Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives."

She added her "thoughts and prayers" were with "all New Zealanders" at this "tragic time".

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a self-described white supremacist, has been charged with murder.