Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pay tribute to victims of Christchurch attack

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a book of condolences at London's New Zealand House

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit the New Zealand House to sign the book of condolence on behalf of the Royal Family in London, Britain March 19, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Meghan signs the book of condolence at London's New Zealand House. AP

A picture shows the message written and signed by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the New Zealand High Commission in London. AFP

Prince Harry is welcomed with a traditional Maori welcome, called a Hongi. Reuters

Meghan rubs noses with New Zealand High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae. Reuters

The royal couple laid floral tributes alongside those left outside the High Commission by members of the public. Reuters

Meghan and Harry were the last members of the royal family to visit New Zealand. Reuters

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, lays a floral tribute at New Zealand House in London . AP

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex sign a book of condolence on behalf of the Royal Family. Reuters

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive at New Zealand House to pay their respects to the victims of the terror attack in Christchurch New Zealand. AP

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with the New Zealand High Commissioner Jerry Mateparae. AP

The couple add bouquets of flowers to a pile of floral tributes at the New Zealand High Commission in London. AFP

Meghan spent some time reading messages left on floral tributes outside the Commission. AFP

Prince Harry leaves a bouquet tribute for the 50 victims of the Christchurch shooting. AFP

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to the victims of the Christchurch terror attack yesterday, signing a book of condolences at New Zealand's High Commission in London.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among the first people to sign the book of condolences, and were asked to attend by Queen Elizabeth II, as they were the last members of the royal family to visit New Zealand.

See photos from the royal couple's visit to the New Zealand's High Commission in the gallery above. 

The couple were greeted by High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae in traditional Maori style, rubbing noses before each laying a bouquet of flowers alongside other floral tributes.

Inside, they signed the book, with Meghan writing: “Our deepest condolences. We are with you”. Harry added his named before signing off with “arohanui”, meaning “much love” in Maori.

The book of condolences will open to the public to view and sign from 5.30pm GMT on Thursday, March 21.

A heavily-pregnant Meghan wore a black caped woolen coat for the visit, alongside a pair of earrings she was given by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during their visit to the country last October – their first engagement as a married couple.

The royal couple released a statement following Friday’s shooting, joint with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, saying: “No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship.” They signed the message off with "Kia Kaha", which means “stay strong”.

Following the visit, Sir Jerry said he had been overwhelmed by the support received from across the UK, adding that it was “wonderful” to have Harry and Meghan pay tribute.

50 people were killed and dozens more injured as a white supremacist targeted two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. It is the worst attack of terrorism to ever occur in New Zealand.