Large parts of the city were reduced to rubble and more than 160 people were killed in the 6.3-magnitude quake.

At a memorial service today, the prince said he had heard stories of “extraordinary bravery and selfless courage” during his two-day tour of the city, which he made on behalf of the Queen.

The prince extended the condolences of the Queen and Royal family as he told the people of Christchurch that they were 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.

“We honour the lives and memories of all those who did not survive the earthquake – New Zealanders, and those from many countries around the world who came to this city as visitors, or to make it their home.”

The prince said the people of Christchurch could appreciate the “full horror” of the disaster in Japan “more than any other in the world”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them too,” he said.

During his visit, the prince met rescue workers and toured the disaster areas, making a stop at the badly damaged Christchurch Cathedral.

Earlier, the prince spoke of his shock at the devastation caused by the quake, the second to hit the city in five months.

“The scale of it is unbelievable. It really does bring it home to you to see a building like that,” he said.