The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid their respects to families affected by a bush fire in Australia as they visited the Blue Mountains today (17.04.14).
Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, met with residents of the Blue Mountains and apologised for the difficulties they've had to overcome as they try to rebuild their homes following a firestorm last year which destroyed over 200 homes, including more than half of the houses on Buena Vista Road in Winmalee.
Eartha Odell, a resident affected by the blaze, told the Blue Mountains Gazette newspaper: "They [William and Catherine] were very sincere in trying to understand our grief and very kind and warm and approachable to the children."
The 47-year-old woman said the couple - who have 8-month-old song Prince George together - felt at ease speaking with families.
She added: "For them to come out all this way to say hello and say, 'I'm sorry this happened to you', ... It didn't seem like a duty to them."
Prior to meeting with the families, William, 31, and Catherine, 32, listened in respect as David Jones - who is district manager of the Blue Mountains rural fire service - told them of the disaster and explained how it had destroyed thousands of square metres of land.