Prince William praises earthquake victims

Prince William has paid tribute to the victims of February's earthquake in New Zealand.

On a visit to Christchurch - the country's second biggest city, stricken by the natural disaster on February 22 - the British royal told how he believes the way in which citizens have dealt with the tragedy has been an "inspiration".

In an address to some 30,000 people, he said: "Courage and understated determination have always been the hallmark of New Zealanders.

"But to see them so starkly demonstrated over these terrible, painful months has been humbling. Put simply, you are an inspiration to all people

"My grandmother once said that grief is the price we pay for love. Here, today, we love, and we grieve."

The royal ended his speech with a message from the queen and all the members of his family, which he said united all the stories he had heard on his visit: "kia kaha", native language Maori for "be strong".

One Christchurch resident, Lisa McNire, said she felt the service brought people together, saying "It's a new beginning for the city."

The prince spoke individually with the families of the earthquake's victims.