Prince William and Kate Middleton share heartfelt message of support to Australians and hero firefighters who ‘put their lives on the line’ to save others – ahead of expected royal tour
- Prince William praised Australians and firefighters for their bravery in bushfires
- The Duke of Cambridge gave a speech via video during Sunday’s relief concert
- Prince William and his wife Kate are expected to tour bushfire-ravaged areas
- PM Scott Morrison is ‘soon’ expected to formally invite to the Kensington royals
- Senator Simon Birmingham said a royal tour will boost tourism to Australia
Prince William has praised Australians and firefighters for their bravery during the bushfire crisis ahead of his anticipated visit the country with his wife Kate Middleton.
The Duke of Cambridge’s impassioned message was shown at the Fire Fight Australia charity concert at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.
‘Hello, everyone. Catherine and I just wanted to say that we were very shocked and saddened to see the damage and devastation caused by the bushfires recently,’ Prince William said.
‘We know it’s been a terrible time for all of those affected by the bushfires.
‘We want to commend the bravery and resilience of all Australians involved, particularly the volunteer firefighters who have put their lives on the line to protect lives, livelihoods and wildlife.
‘We think that’s been a fantastic effort all ’round by everyone down there looking after each other.
Prince William gave an impassioned message from himself and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, that was televised at the Fire Fight Australia charity concert at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Sunday night, in addition to its international broadcast
A lone NSW RFS firefighter battles a blaze in the Blue Mountains. The Duke of Cambridge praised Australians firefighters for their bravery in the recent bushfire crisis ahead of his anticipated visit Down Under with his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
‘We know there’s been lots of incredible acts of generosity as well and communities coming together to support each other.
‘We wish you all the best for the rebuild and have a good evening.’
Prince William’s message of support comes after it was revealed the Scott Morrison Government was in talks with Kensington Palace about details of a Royal Tour to bushfire-stricken areas.
Once discussions have concluded, Mr Morrison is expected to issue a formal invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ‘soon’.
The trip would be William’s fifth visit to Australia and the couple’s first since 2014.
Mayors along the NSW South Coast hope a royal visit will boost tourism in the area after an intense bushfire season.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hold Prince George as they board a flight to Australia from Wellington on their 2014 visit. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Morrison Government is in talks with Kensington Palace about details of a Royal Tour to bushfire-stricken areas
Firefighters battle the Morton Fire as it burns a home near Bundanoon, NSW. Cabinet minister Simon Birmingham said there have been ‘bad images’ of Australia broadcast during the bushfire crisis and a royal visit would show the country in a better light
Cabinet minister Simon Birmingham said previous visits by members of the royal family had lifted tourist numbers to Australia.
‘We hope that can all be locked down with an announcement from the royals pretty soon because it is going to be a great opportunity to remind the rest of the world that Australia is still a fantastic place to visit full of rich and amazing experiences,’ the senator told Nine Network earlier this month.
Senator Birmingham pointed to the 2018 visit by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, saying it produced a 120 per cent lift in the numbers of visits to the Tourism Australia website and subsequent 30 per cent boost in bookings.
‘There are real economic benefits,’ he said.
‘Images of them on pristine beaches and bushland, where the green growth is starting to come back through, and cuddling recovering wildlife.’
‘These are the key images we need the rest of the world to see because they saw plenty of bad images of Australia over the new year period.’
The 2018 visit by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan produced a 120 per cent lift in the numbers of visits to the Tourism Australia website and subsequent 30 per cent boost in bookings
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Leuca the Koala during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney in 2014
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been vocal about the recent bushfire season.
On Australia Day, the couple sent a message of solidarity by sharing a photo of themselves with a koala during their 2014 visit to Instagram.
‘Happy Australia Day! This year we pay tribute to the incredible strength and resilience of all the Australian people and communities who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires,’ the post was captioned.
On January 5, the Kensington Royals offered their condolences to those who died during the horrific bushfire season.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives, and the brave firefighters who continue to risk their own lives to save the lives of others,’ the message read.