King Charles sends heartfelt message to Hurricane Beryl victims as he praises 'resilience'
At least eight people have been killed as Hurricane Beryl ripped through several countries in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Beryl becomes first storm of Atlantic season
King Charles has sent a message to everybody affected by Hurricane Beryl expressing his "profound" sadness at the devastation and loss of life, while also praising the "resilience" of the Caribbean people.
He shared "heartfelt condolences" from himself and the rest of the Royal Family, and it is understood he is also making a personal donation to help the relief effort.
In a statement shared on the official Royal Family website the King said: "My family and I have been profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean. Above all, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who have so cruelly lost their lives.
"I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to such destruction – a spirit which has been called upon too often – and so I also send my particular gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.
"At this most difficult of times, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been so utterly devastated."
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His Majesty has been asked to be kept informed of any developments in the region and he hopes to engage with religious leaders in the coming days to offer further support.
Several Caribbean countries have been battered by the storm, including Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, where the King remains Head of State.
Union Island in the Grenadines has been hit especially badly, with almost every home there either destroyed or badly damaged and officials describing "immense destruction".
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The hurricane season in the Caribbean usually runs from June until November, however it is unusual for a storm to be as intense as Beryl this early in the year.
Prince William and Princess Kate have also personally donated to the relief fund and are closely monitoring rescue efforts alongside the King.
Back in March 2022 William and Kate carried out their own Caribbean tour, visiting Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas over the course of their visit.
This week the King and Prince William have been in Scotland for Holyrood Week, also known as Royal Week, which has seen them carry out a number of engagements in the country.
On Tuesday evening Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed guests to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for a garden party, and attended the Order of the Thistle Service on Wednesday.
This year's events have had to be slightly altered due to the General Election, as the royals must not do anything which may be viewed as overtly political.
