The Princess Royal Anne has made an under the radar trip to New Zealand as the nation continues to battle severe weather events.
Landing at Wellington airport on Tuesday, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth was accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and was greeted by response staff upon arrival.
Since Cyclone Gabrielle made land, a national emergency has been declared after widespread damage and flooding was caused.
An additional 6.3 magnitude earthquake caused additional damage for tens of thousands of Kiwis still reeling from the destruction of intense rainfall and wind.
Princess Anne met with response staff at the National Disaster and Crisis Headquarters.
(IMAGE: Getty)
The Princess said her thoughts stood and would continue to stand with ”all New Zealanders” during this difficult time for the nation.
”I have been given the opportunity to visit the national disaster and crisis headquarters today and 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,” Anne said in a personal statement released by the New Zealand Defence Force.
”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 you communities you are showing in the face of adversity.”
She then laid a wreath at the Pukeahu National War Memorial.
(IMAGE: Instagram)The 16th in line for the Commonwealth throne then ended her message from the heart with ”Kia Kaha,” a Māori phrase which means ”stay strong.”
Anne’s trip to New Zealand ties in with the 100th anniversary of the Army Royal New Zealand Corps of Signas’ 100th anniversary celebrations, of which she is Colonel-in-Chief.
But given the cyclone, her schedule has undergone several last-minute changes.
On her trip so far, she has visited the Pukeahu National War Memorial where she laid a wreath, as well as a visit to the National Crisis Management Centre in the basement bunker of the Beehive (the New Zealand parliament buildings).
The 16th in line to the throne has been all smiles so far on her trip.
(IMAGE: Getty)The last royals to visit New Zealand were the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall Charles and Camilla in 2019.
Anne’s last visit to the country was more than a decade ago in 2010. She did however visit Australia in April 2022 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
It is unclear at this stage if she will jet across to Australia following her New Zealand trip.
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