FAMILIES of the victims killed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake have met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today.
The royal couple visited the city to pay their respects to the 185 people who died in the earthquake three years ago.
After being greeted by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee at Latimer Square, the royals went to the Canterbury Television Memorial Park to meet with the families of four victims.
Kate chose a Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit in red and black – the colours of the local region, Canterbury – for the sombre occasion.
Later in the afternoon, Prince William and his wife played a friendly game of cricket to promote next year’s Cricket World Cup and opened the visitor centre at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave to the crowd as they arrive at Christchurch City Council Buildings.
Kate wore a Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit in red and black – the colours of the local region, Canterbury – for the occasion.
Prince William performs the traditional Maori greeting of the ‘Hongi’.
The Duchess looked radiant with her hair slightly pulled back and Annoushka Pearl earrings.
The Duchess is welcomed to Christchurch on day eight of their royal tour.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speak to families who lost loved ones in the 2011 quake.
Prince William and Catherine lay a stone during a visit the CTV memorial site.
Everyone in the crowd wanted a photo of the Duchess.
Kate looked like she enjoyed the cricket match with her husband.
Prince William showed off his skills in the friendly match.
Kate showed she was a good sport, taking to the pitch in heels to bowl against her husband.
The Duke and Duchess cut the ‘flower ribbon’ as they officially open the visitor centre at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
The royal couple at Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens.