Prince William has arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand for a two-day solo visit. While Kate Middleton is at home in London, this morning her husband met with a young survivor of the Christchurch terror attack.
On Anzac Day (a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for those who died during wartime), the Duke of Cambridge sat with Alen Alsati, 5, who is recovering in Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital.
Alen woke from a coma earlier this week after suffering critical injuries in the attack, reports the Kensington Palace Twitter account. Her father Wasseim was also among the 50 people injured in the massacre.
Watch the video here:
In the heart-warming moment, Alen asked from her hospital bed: 'Do you have a daughter?' She was surrounded by her family and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
'Yes, she's called Charlotte,' replied William, before adding: 'she's about the same age as you.'
William is in New Zealand for a two-day visit to meet first responders and survivors of the mosque attacks. He also met with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The 15 March massacres were two consecutive terror attacks at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday Prayer. The first began at the Al Noor Mosque at 1.40pm and continued at the Linwood Islamic Centre 15 minutes later.
After arriving, the Duke was driven through the city by police to the Justice and Emergency Services Precinct, which acted as an operational base after the terror attack, according to the Daily Mail.
There he was greeted by Police Commissioner Mike Bush, and met with officers and ambulance staff.
The Duke asked about how their training had helped staff deal with events as they unfolded. 'I'm sure the team pulls together,' he said.
'Nothing really trains you for seeing it in real life,' he added.
Given recent events, this Royal visit will take a more serious, sombre tone.
On Friday, Prince William is scheduled to visit Christchurch Hospital, the city's hospital, to meet patients still being treated. He will then meet with the Muslim community at the city's terror-struck mosques.
