Prince William sees Christchurch wreckage

The royal met rescue workers and saw the quake-battered centre of the city on his first stop on a tour of disaster-stricken areas of New Zealand.

Clearly shocked and taken aback by the scenes in the country’s second-largest city, the Prince still managed to boost morale with rescue workers, joking with them while thanking them for their efforts.

The royal, who works as a helicopter search and rescue pilot, told them: “There was a lot of us who work in the military who were gnashing our teeth to come out here.”

Prince William is travelling on behalf of the Queen on his second official trip to the country.

The Prince, who is making the trip without fiancee Kate Middleton, is due to attend a memorial service in the city, then will travel to Australia to visit Queensland and Victoria, which were both hit by severe flooding.

A charitable gift fund set up by the royal couple for well-wishers who want to send them a wedding present will include New Zealand’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The prince last visited New Zealand in January 2010, on his first official overseas visit on behalf of the Queen.

The royal heard personal stories, meeting national urban search and rescue manager Steve Barclay, whose had been told his house is condemned. Looking sympathetic, Prince William said: “I’m so sorry, that’s very sad.”

The prince had a clear rapport with search and rescue teams, laughing and joking with them.

Urban search and rescue technician Martin Sparrow, 44, from Wellington, said: “It shows that what has happened here is in the eye of the world and people are able to take notice.

““I heard that for the upcoming wedding they have included us in their charities and that shows a side of compassion.”

William was presented with a cap, as well as a wooden plaque which read: “Presented by Transalpine Fire Region to HRH Prince William. March 17, 2011. New Zealand Fire Service.”

After Christchurch, William travelled to Greymouth to meet families of the 29 victims of the Pike River mine disaster.

His visit was delayed due to bad weather, but the royal met the families.

He will return to Christchurch today for a memorial service in the city.