Prince William has joined Princess Astrid of Belgium to commemorate the New Zealand soldiers who died in the Battle of Passchendaele 100 years ago.
At the service in Belgium, the Duke of Cambridge, representing Her Majesty The Queen, was greeted with a hongi from Victoria Cross hero Willie Apiata.
The Western Front battle has been called the darkest day in New Zealand military history with 843 soldiers being killed within the first few hours.
A further 114 men died within three months from wounds received on the day.
Prince William speaking with New Zealand representatives.
At the service Prince William gave an address on behalf of The Queen.
“October 12th 1917 was the ‘darkest day’ in the military history of a proud and committed people. For New Zealanders, the loss of more than 840 men in just a few hours is seared into the national consciousness.”
“All too often the newsreels speak of ‘ordinary’ men and women. There was nothing ordinary about their service or their sacrifice.”
“New Zealanders demonstrated great resilience and strength of character. Qualities we still admire in New Zealand today.”
“Kia mau mahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We shall remember them,” the Duke concluded.
Private Malik Priestley performing a haka at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
