Prince in Maori tribute at earthquake service

Some 1,900 people, mostly Kiwis, packed into the abbey in central London to hear hymns, prayers and testimonies in memory of the February 22 disaster that claimed at least 166 lives.

Charles laid a wreath of white and yellow roses outside, to which he had attached a message in Maori reading “You will be remembered always.”

Peter Crook, who led the UK International Search and Rescue team effort in Christchurch, said in an address that he was proud that the group had been given one of the toughest tasks – the search and recovery of victims.

He admitted after the service that the New Zealand operation had been a harder one than usual for the team as the country is “so similar to home”.

He said: “It’s so recognisable, we could have been in the UK. This made it easier to relate to and more personal.

“It was very emotional, the whole thing.”