A speech by The Duke of Sussex at a reception for young people at Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland
Published
It’s wonderful to be at an event celebrating diversity in one of the world’s most diverse cities.
Prime Minister, honoured guests, ladies and gentleman.
Talofa lava (Samoan)
Malo e lelei (Tongan)
Bula Vinaka (Fijian)
Fakaalofa lahi atu (Niuean)
Kia orana (Cook Islands)
Tena koutou katoa (Maori)
This is definitely the first time I have spoken most of those languages, so I apologise if my accent wasn’t any good, but I had to give it a go!
It’s wonderful to be at an event celebrating diversity in one of the world’s most diverse cities.
We’ve heard Auckland described as a multicultural melting pot by the sea. It’s mix of people, cultures and languages is what gives this city its unique identity - its energy and vibrancy, its openness and welcoming spirit.
Thank you again Prime Minister for hosting me and my wife on our first visit to New Zealand as a couple - it’s a place we’ve both visited separately and it has been a joy to return here together to enjoy this stunning country.
We are meeting little kiwis, we’re meeting big kiwis, being treated to your fantastic food, culture and sporting activities - well if you can call welly-wanging or gum-boot throwing a sport! Perhaps we should have a three-test series and see who comes out on top...
But tonight our focus is to acknowledge the outstanding young people here. For both of us, one of the most rewarding things about travelling though four Commonwealth countries these past few weeks, has been the opportunity to meet young leaders who are making a significant difference within their own communities.
In my role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, it is a privilege to champion so many exceptionally talented young leaders across all 53 countries; your voices are being heard, and each and every one of you is making this change happen.
You should never doubt that.
Because as I was reminded the other night, one of your own, Kate Sheppard once said, ‘The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops.’
Despite the world you’ve inherited, your approach is groundbreaking and forward thinking, with an optimistic outlook that is inclusive of community, both people and nature, and conscious of the value of our mental fitness and how this is the key to the cure.
You are arbiters of real change, and I must commend the Prime Minister in her approach and focus, in championing all of you.
It is incredibly inspiring to see you forging new paths, while staying rooted in your language, culture and heritage.
Meghan and I have enormous respect for you, and I want to close by thanking you for all you are doing.
Your generation is quite literally energising the world and don’t ever stop fighting for what you believe in.
Thank you.
Related content
The King confers The Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward
The King receives a new horse from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The King and The Queen Consort will undertake State Visits to France and Germany
Remarks by a Buckingham Palace spokesperson on the upcoming State Visits to France and Germany
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Pakistan
Such acts of incomprehensible brutality, wherever they occur, are a barbaric assault on our shared humanity and our values of understanding and compassion.
The King's message following the recent flooding in Aotearoa, New Zealand
I have long admired the strength and resourcefulness of New Zealanders, and I send my thoughts and prayers to all those who are supporting response and recovery efforts
The King's message following the bomb attack in Peshawar, Pakistan
Such acts of incomprehensible brutality, wherever they occur, are a barbaric assault on our shared humanity.
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Greece following the train crash in Northern Greece
Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with all those who have been affected by this appalling tragedy.
The King's message following the recent earthquakes
Our thoughts and special prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling natural disaster
A message from The Princess Royal following Cyclone Gabrielle
You should all be proud of the resilience, strength and care for your communities you are showing in the face of adversity.
A Speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Milton Keynes
As you mark your well-deserved status as one of England’s newest cities, I can only offer my heartfelt congratulations and my very best wishes for the future.
A speech by The Queen Consort at a literary reception to celebrate The Queen's Reading Room
Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism. In today’s challenging climate, we need it more than ever.
A message from His Majesty The King marking one year of conflict in Ukraine
I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.
A speech delivered by The Prince of Wales during a St. David's Day parade for the Welsh Guards
I am both honoured and delighted to be standing here in front of you today as your new Colonel.
A message from The King on Holocaust Memorial Day 2023
In learning from the horrors of the Holocaust and the genocides which followed, we can all recommit to the vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit, and...
Remarks by The Queen Consort at the opening of the Royal Osteoporosis Society's Bath City Centre offices
The modernisation, the technology, that has happened in osteoporosis is incredible. So let’s go from strength to strength and make it even better.