Haere mai, Anne
She’s highly respected for her hard work, dedication to duty and no-fuss attitude. Now Princess Anne has endeared herself to Kiwis with her heartfelt message to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Princess Anne and husband Sir Tim Laurence praised workers at the Beehive bunker.
The Princess Royal arrived in New Zealand for a four-day visit on Wednesday February 15, when the full extent of the devastation wreaked by the cyclone was yet to be revealed. She made the long trip here to take part in the 100th anniversary celebrations for the army’s Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals (of which she is Colonel-in-Chief) at Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North, but that had to be scrapped as the army was focusing on responding to what has turned out to be one of this country’s worst natural disasters.
With Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at a remembrance service in the capital.
Instead Anne, 72, who was accompanied by her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, 67, visited the National Crisis Management Centre at the Beehive to meet with crisis response staff.
She then released a statement saying, “My thoughts are with all New Zealanders whose homes or livelihoods have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle… I am impressed by the major efforts being undertaken by first responders, local and national agencies to ensure the best possible support for everyone, especially those still at risk.”
Laying a wreath at the War Memorial in Christchurch.
Anne added, “I admire the courage of the people of Aotearoa during this alarming and difficult time. You should all be proud of the resilience, strength and care for your communities you are showing in the face of adversity.”
The Queen’s only daughter received a warm welcome throughout the rest of her trip, which included laying a wreath at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington, visiting a Riding for the Disabled centre in Porirua, taking in the Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa and rededicating the restored Citizens War Memorial in Christchurch.
Handing out ribbons to riders in Porirua.
Victoria trades up
Princess Anne isn’t the only royal New Zealand has recently played host to – Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria made a whirlwind trip here at the same time. The heir to the Swedish throne was part of
a trade delegation that visited New Zealand for three days.
The royals were invited to lunch at the Governor’s residence.
Accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, 49, Victoria, 45, stopped by businesses that use Swedish machinery, including a dairy farm and a factory that recycles packaging and plastic waste to make interior walls. The royals also visited Te Papa, Parliament and specifically asked to see a traditional Māori garden at Hamilton Gardens.
The couple at Waiwhetū Marae in Lower Hutt.
A spokesman offered “heartfelt sympathies” on behalf of the whole delegation for the impact Cyclone Gabrielle has had on the country.
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