Queen Elizabeth sent her well wishes to those who had gathered for the opening of the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.
The 90-year-old royal paid her respects to those who had died in the natural disaster as a memorial was opened to remember the victims and their families on the sixth anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquake in New Zealand.
She said: "As you gather today to dedicate the new Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, there will be difficult and painful memories, but also memories of many heroic and selfless acts, of the caring and creative nature of the Christchurch people, and of the help that came so readily from emergency and rescue personnel.
"I hope that the new memorial will provide a place to remember, to grieve for what is lost, and to give thanks for what remains. I am sure it will be a particularly special place for the families of those who lost their lives, and for those who were seriously injured in the earthquakes. They will be joined by many others, from New Zealand and around the world, who wish to pause and reflect on that difficult time. I hope that this national memorial is a place of solace and reflection for all who visit."
The memorial wall – which was erected near the river by Oxford Terrace in the centre of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island – is made of stones, which have been inscribed with the names of those who died. There is also an acknowledgement of those who were seriously injured in the natural disaster and those who were the first responders to the emergency.
Queen Elizabeth sends well wishes to Canterbury residents
