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Prince William given Christchurch building fragments after quake

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Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:29a.m.

Prince William is shown the quake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral

Prince William is shown the quake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral

Canadians gave the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge diamonds and fashion, but Prince William received carved and inscribed building fragments from the Christchurch earthquake, baseball caps and jade gifts on his visit to New Zealand last year.

William, 29, visited Australia and New Zealand in March and inspected areas damaged by the Chistchurch earthquake and met the families of the 29 workers killed in the Pike River coal mine.

During his time in the two countries the second in line to the British throne received more than 45 gifts, as listed by Clarence House.

In keeping with protocol, details of all presents offered to royal family members are detailed in a list published each year.

"Individuals who have given gifts have their names recorded by the office, but do not expect to be named publicly," Clarence House said in a statement.

One individual gave William carved and inscribed building fragments from the Christchurch earthquake, and others also gave him books, baseball caps, a polo shirt, an apron, a painting, two pendants, earrings and scented soaps and hand towels.

Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn gave him a block of jade, a pendant and earrings and the Transalpine Central Fire Station gave him a commemorative plaque.

The Sumner Chief Fire Officer gave him a book, as did the former Governor-General.

In June and July 2011, William and his wife Catherine travelled to Canada and the US where the newlywed couple were showered with gifts, including cowboy hats which they were famously pictured wearing at the Calgary Stampede.

Fashion proved a popular gift for the Duchess who received dresses, scarves, hats, jewellery and even three pairs of shoes from the Canadian foreign minister.

One item listed simply as a "brooch" was in fact custom-made of platinum, crafted into the shape of a polar bear and decorated with 302 Canadian Diavik diamonds by Harry Winston, jeweller to the stars.

The extravagant gift, as detailed by British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, was given by the premier of Canada's Northwest Territories, while William was given matching cufflinks covered with 390 diamonds.

NZN

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