Prince Charles and Camilla heading to Christchurch for royal visit

Thursday, 21 November 2019

After becoming the first royals to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in 25 years, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are coming to Christchurch.

People who want to see Prince Charles and Camilla on their public walk in the city are asked to be in Cathedral Square from 1.30pm on Friday.

The roads into the square will be closed to vehicles from 9.30am so people will only be able to arrive on foot.

The royal couple, who will be formally welcomed to the region at Tuahiwi Marae, are also visiting Cashmere High School with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

**READ MORE:

* Royal visit, day three: Prince Charles and Camilla visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds

* Royal tour in pictures: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visit Bay of Islands

* Royal visit, day two: Prince Charles gifted native trees by PM, greets the public**

The Prince and Duchess will meet privately with students and their families who were affected by the March 15 mosque attacks, which killed 51 people and wounded scores more.

'This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community,' Prince Charles said in a message after the attack.

'I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.'

The royal visit follows one earlier this year where Prince William met with survivors of the terror attack and first responders.

Prince Charles, a keen environmentalist, will also deliver a speech on the state of the environment at Lincoln University on Friday afternoon. He will also view the damaged Christ Church Cathedral after joining a reception of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust.

The royal couple will take part in a range of other activities, including a visit to Tūranga library with Ardern. They will still be in Christchurch on Saturday morning, and the Prince will visit Kaikōura later that day.