Around 2500 people gathered at Westminster Abbey in London to honour the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Prince Charles attended the service which was organised by the New Zealand High Commission. 

The official death toll of the earthquake stands at 166, with 35 still missing.

TVNZ News reporter Lisa Owen described the service as a chance for people who had been affected by the quake to come together with their "New Zealand family". Tickets were allocated by ballot.

"It's actually a surreal experience watching part of your country destroyed from afar. You watch the pictures and think 'that's not my home'," she said.

Lisa Owen said the service was an "opportunity to all get together and share those feelings".

An audio of the service was also broadcast into St Margaret’s Church next to the Abbey.

Proceeds from a collection after the service will go towards the New Zealand Government’s earthquake appeal.

During the prayer for Christchurch, Prince Charles knelt at the front of the congregation while the rest of the service stood.

Following the service, he laid a wreath of yellow roses as a tribute to the innocent victims. On the wreath was a note written in Maori, translating to "You will be remembered always".

Prince Charles then met privately with about 40 family members and friends of victims for 20 minutes.

Ssinger Hayley Westenra, who performed the National Anthem at the National Memorial service in Christchurch two weeks ago, addressed the packed church.

She broke down as she recalled her performance and visit to the quake-ravaged region, describing it as the hardest time of her life.

Lisa Owen said she also saw stoic Kiwi men crying during the service.

A karanga performed without accompaniment by a Maori woman "filled the Abbey".

One of those invited to attend was Mark Maynard, whose wife died when the Pyne Gould Corporation building in central Christchurch collapsed. He paid tribute to British search and rescue teams who helped with recovery work.

Former All Black captain Anton Oliver read a prayer during the service and afterwards said it was the Maori hymns that really gave the ceremony meaning.

"I heard Maori waiata and that made me feel like a New Zealander. I felt connected with that and felt they're my people, that's my place."

Linda Tamakaha, now a singer in Britain, says the memorial service was a chance to gather with other New Zealanders.

"I've never been in Westminster Abbey, but to be able to sing songs in my language is something that I hope I get to do again and something I'll never ever forget."

Radio New Zealand's London correspondent reports there was an overwhelming sense of loss and sadness, but people were grateful for the chance to grieve.

High Commissioner Derek Leask told Morning Report it was a very solemn and moving event.

Victims of the recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan were also remembered.