5 MINS AGO: Prince William and Kate Interrupt Their Holiday to Release Important Statement Just as Prince Harry and Meghan Arrive in the U.K. — And the Timing Has Everyone Talking.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared their first public statement after news that Prince Harry and Meghan have landed back in the UK
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Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
13 hours ago
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their shock at the flash floods in Nepal, where dozens of British nationals are among the hundreds missing and feared dead.
In a statement released on Thursday, they said: “We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster.”
It comes just hours after the King said he and the Queen were “heartbroken” and sent their “most profound sympathy” to those affected by the “devastating” flash floods in Nepal.
In a message signed with their personal initials and shared on social media, Prince William And Kate said: “The scale of the devastation along the Nepal-China border is shocking. We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster.
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Prince William and Kate issued a statement following the flooding in Nepal
“Our thoughts are especially with the families facing an unbearable wait for news and with the communities confronting such immense loss.
“We are incredibly grateful to all those working in such dangerous conditions to rescue people and support those affected.”
Prince William, Kate and their three children departed Balmoral Castle on Thursday after a week’s stay, HELLO! confirmed.
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It comes one day after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in the UK, which the royal couple is yet to react to publicly. However, their social media tribute to Nepal marked their first public statement since the news was announced.
What has happened in Nepal?
More than 900 people are missing, and at least 359 people have died after huge flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border.
Rescuers continue to look for survivors, while homes and roads have been destroyed, and bridges swept away.
It was caused by “glacial collapse and debris flow”, according to the US Geological Society, which warned there is still a risk of more floods to follow.
The closest district to the floods is the Rasuwa district, but the neighbouring district, called Nuwakot, has also been impacted.
Hundreds of foreigners are missing, including 33 British Nationals, Nepal says.
King Charles leads royal statements on Nepal
The King said in his written message: “My wife and I are heartbroken to hear of the devastating flooding that has struck the Nepal-China border.
“Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world.
King Charles pictured at Balmoral on Thursday
“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 added, signing off with his personal signature, Charles R: “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.
“Our special thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected and, as always, the United Kingdom stands ready to help support those in need.”
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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene also paid tribute
The King remains in Balmoral for his summer break, but announced he will be returning to London next week for a special engagement at Clarence House, meeting the Pakistan cricket team.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were also among the European royals to pay tribute, expressing their “profound sorrow at the terrible disaster”.
Albert said: “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.”
