Prince William has made his way to Christchurch, New Zealand today to deliver a speech in honor of the victims of the earthquake that struck the city last month. Prince Wills — in kingly fashion, I might add — also paid homage to the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeastern part of the country one week ago today. Check out photos, video and deets below from Prince Wills‘s speech in Christchurch earlier today.

Prince William reflected on the horror being endured by the disaster-stricken Japanese as he spoke in the ruins of Christchurch city at a memorial service for the victims of one of New Zealand’s most destructive earthquakes. More than 40,000 people crammed into leafy Hagley Park, near the devastated business district of New Zealand’s second largest city for the first official occasion of national mourning since the quake on February 22. Police have confirmed 166 deaths from the magnitude 6.3 quake, but the toll could exceed 180 with remains still to be identified. William, representing his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of New Zealand as well as Britain, spoke of his sympathy and admiration for the people of Christchurch and of those suffering after last week’s massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan. ‘This community, more than any other in the world, can appreciate the full horror of what is unfolding in Japan,’ he said. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with them, too.’ The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan a week ago killed thousands of people and critically damaged nuclear power stations, where workers are fighting to prevent a radiation crisis. William, second in line to the British throne, has spent two days in Christchurch touring the devastated city centre and its ravaged suburbs. He has met with residents, many of whom have lost homes and businesses. And after his speech he mingled with around 400 relatives and partners of those who perished in the quake and its aftermath. ‘I convey to you Her Majesty’s message of deep sympathy and condolence,’ he said in his address. ‘My grandmother once said that grief is the price we pay for love. Here today, we love and we grieve,’ he added. William said he had been deeply moved by what he had seen during his visit to Christchurch. With the ‘heartfelt good wishes’ of the Queen, her son Prince Charles, the first in line to the throne, ‘and other members of my family, I say it to you kia kaha, be strong,’ William said, using an indigenous Maori term. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker also noted Japan’s crisis in their remarks at the memorial. The service was attended by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and ambassadors of several countries. A video played on large screens showed previously unseen footage of the devastated downtown area which remains off limits due to the risk of building collapses.

Yes, I think Prince William of Wales represents the British Royal Family very well … very well, indeed. It’s easy to discount the loss and devastation of those suffering on the other side of the planet — especially in the wake of even more loss, devastation and tragedy in other parts of the world — but I think it is important to honor the memory of anyone lost due to tragic events like the earthquake in Christchurch. Prince William is a fine representative for not only the Royal Family but also for those of us mourning the loss of people we don’t even know who have fallen to natural disasters like this. This is a great speech and a very honorable way to memorialize the lives lost in New Zealand.

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