Prince William concluded a visit to Christchurch’s Transitional Cathedral today with a promise to return, perhaps to 'open buildings and cut ribbons.'

The Prince also acknowledged the importance of the relationship between the church and the city.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were given a tour of the Transitional Cathedral by Bishop Victoria Matthews and Dean Lynda Patterson. 

As features of the building were explained, the Cathedral Choir sang HIne e Hine. 

Prince William and Katherine were then photographed with the choir.

While chatting with the boys, the royal couple asked how often they sang in the Cathedral. 

One boy responded: ‘Too much.' 

Bishop Victoria said the royal visit was extremely important for both the city and the church.

“Prince William came to Christchurch after the February 2011 earthquake, and to see new buildings such as the Transitional Cathedral that speak of hope, shows his ongoing support and relationship with this city.”

The royal couple left the Cathedral with a gift for George; a newly published book called ‘Kia Kaha’s Brand New House.' 

This is the second in a series by Clare Erasmus and tells of a cathedral mouse, called Kia Kaha, getting a new home after the earthquake damages the Cathedral in the Square. 

The author, Clare Erasmus, who is part of the Cathedral community, presented copies of the books. 

The Duke and Duchess said they would each be able to read one of the books to George. 

The books tell of the earthquake losses and point forward with the building of the Transitional Cathedral as a new home for Kia Kaha. 

Clare Erasmus said she felt privileged that George would have books read to him about the much-loved city of Christchurch.  

The couple acknowledged staff and volunteers in the foyer of the Cathedral before heading from the quiet of the Transitional Cathedral to a walkabout in Latimer Square.