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Prince William and Princess Catherine have spoken of their shock following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, where hundreds of people are reported missing and feared dead, including dozens of British nationals.
The Prince and Princess of Wales issued a personal message on Thursday, expressing their concern for all those affected by the disaster.
“We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster,” the couple said.
Their statement followed a message from King Charles, who said that he and Queen Camilla were “heartbroken” by the tragedy and offered their “most profound sympathy” to the victims, their families and everyone impacted.
William and Catherine’s message, signed with their personal initials and shared on social media, also highlighted the enormous scale of the destruction.
“The scale of the devastation along the Nepal-China border is shocking. We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster,” they said.
William and Catherine also expressed particular concern for families still waiting desperately for information about missing loved ones, as well as communities dealing with the devastating consequences of the floods.
“Our thoughts are especially with the families facing an unbearable wait for news and with the communities confronting such immense loss,” they said.
The couple also paid tribute to emergency workers and volunteers carrying out rescue and relief efforts in extremely challenging circumstances.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those working in such dangerous conditions to rescue people and support those affected,” their message continued.
The statement came as Prince William and Princess Catherine concluded their summer stay at Balmoral. The couple left the Scottish estate on Thursday with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis after spending around a week there with other members of the Royal Family.
Their departure came just one day after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly arrived back in Britain. William and Catherine have not publicly addressed the Sussexes’ return, making their message about the tragedy in Nepal their first public statement since news of Harry and Meghan’s arrival emerged.
READ MORE: Wales Family Ends Balmoral Summer Break Ahead of a Packed September
What has happenеd in Nepal?
The scale of the disaster continues to grow, with more than 900 people reported missing following the severe flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. At least 359 people are believed to have lost their lives.
Emergency teams are continuing their search for survivors amid widespread destruction. Entire homes have been damaged or swept away, roads have been left impassable and bridges have collapsed under the force of the floodwaters.
The disaster is believed to have been triggered by a combination of glacial collapse and a powerful debris flow, according to the US Geological Society. Experts have also warned that the danger has not completely passed, with further flooding still possible.
Rasuwa is the district closest to the worst-affected area, while neighbouring Nuwakot has also suffered significant consequences from the flooding.
The tragedy has also affected a large number of international visitors. Hundreds of foreign nationals are reportedly still unaccounted for, including 33 British citizens, according to information from Nepalese authorities.
King Charles lеads royal statemеnts on Nepal
King Charles also expressed his deep sorrow over the disaster, saying that both he and Queen Camilla had been deeply affected by reports of the destruction and loss of life along the Nepal-China border.
In his written message, the King acknowledged the particularly close connection many people in Britain have with the region.
“My wife and I are heartbroken to hear of the devastating flooding that has struck the Nepal-China border,” Charles said.
He continued: “Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world.”
The King went on to offer his deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, while also acknowledging the anguish facing families who are still waiting for information about missing relatives and friends.
“We send our most profound sympathy to all those who have so tragically lost their loved ones, and we feel deeply for the many families awaiting anxiously the news of friends and relations,” he said.
Charles also paid tribute to members of the police and Armed Forces who died while helping others during the disaster, as well as the emergency teams continuing to carry out dangerous rescue operations.
“Our hearts go out also to the families of all the police and Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their courageous duty in the service of others and we give our deepest thanks to those who have responded so selflessly in undertaking rescue efforts,” the King continued.
Signing the message personally as Charles R, the monarch concluded by expressing solidarity with everyone affected and reaffirming Britain’s willingness to provide assistance.
“Our special thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected and, as always, the United Kingdom stands ready to help support those in need,” he said.
King Charles is continuing his summer stay at Balmoral, although he is expected to briefly return to London next week for an official engagement. The monarch is due to welcome members of the Pakistan cricket team at Clarence House.
Other European royals have also responded to the devastating floods. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco expressed their deep sadness over the tragedy and offered their support to those affected.
Prince Albert said that his family and the people of Monaco stood alongside the Nepalese people during such a difficult time.
“In these painful hours, my family and the people of Monaco join me in extending our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and expressing our full solidarity with the Nepalese people and all those affected,” he said.
