The Queen ‘appalled’ by New Zealand shooting - monarch sends message of solidarity
THE Queen has sent a message of support to New Zealand after the terror attack on worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch.
New Zealand: Witnesses recount Christchurch mosque shooting
The monarch, who heads up the Commonwealth nation, said she and Prince Philip were “appalled” by the attack, which has so far claimed the lives of 49 people. Far right extremist gunmen opened fire at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch, killing at least 30 people. Another shooting killed at least seven people inside the suburban Linwood Masjid Mosque, and at least three died outside the same mosque. New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern called it "one of New Zealand's darkest days".
The Queen sent a message to the Governor-General of New Zealand this morning, saying: “I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch today.
“Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.
“I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured.
“At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders.”
She signed off the message Elizabeth R.
The Queen has visited New Zealand on 10 occasions including in 1954 when she opened the country's parliament.
The latest royal visit to the country was last year when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook a 16-day trip to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
Prince Charles has also issued a message of support for New Zealanders.
In a statement posted online he said: "Both my wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the most barbaric attacks on two mosques, in Christchurch which resulted in the cruel and tragic loss of so many people's lives.
"It is beyond all belief that so many should have been killed and injured at their place of worship and our most special and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
The Prince of Wales called New Zealand's deadliest mass shooting "an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community" and added he is confident the massacre will not divide Kiwis.
The royals have visited Christchurch on a number of occasions in recent years including Charles and Camilla's stopover in 2012 during the last leg of the Queen's diamond jubilee tour.
William and Kate's visited the city in 2014 and Harry's toured Christchurch the following year.
One man in his 20s has been charged with murder and will appear in court tomorrow. Three others remain in custody.
Prime minister Theresa May earlier sent her condolences to the Kiwis, writing on Twitter “My thoughts are with all those affected by this sickening act of violence.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said there would be a “highly visible” presence of police around the city’s mosques today as he sought to reassure Muslims heading for Friday prayers.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for the defeat of the “bigotry which fuels such hatred and violence”.
Mr Corbyn was pictured carrying a wreath as he arrived at the New Zealand High Commission in London today.