ONGOING SUPPORT

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene issue heartfelt message after Colombia earthquake


Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search teams continue looking for survivors.


Prince Albert and Princess Charlene issue heartfelt message after Colombia earthquake© Julien M. Hekimian
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
AUGUST 11, 2026 1:01 PM EDT

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have shared an emotional message of support following the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia, offering condolences to the victims and expressing solidarity with those affected.

The statement, released Tuesday through the Prince's Palace of Monaco, came after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated several regions of western Colombia, causing significant loss of life, leaving thousands injured and prompting emergency rescue efforts across the country. 

Princess Charlène and Prince Albert II arrive for the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Nice attack.© Pool/ABACA/Shutterstock
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene shared a heartfelt message following Colombia's devastating earthquake.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search teams continue looking for survivors. 

Signed by Prince Albert on behalf of himself and Princess Charlene, the message reads: "Princess Charlene and I learned with profound emotion of the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia yesterday, causing numerous victims and many injured."

Prince Albert expressed Monaco's "complete solidarity" with the Colombian people.© Palais Princier de Monaco
Prince Albert expressed Monaco's "complete solidarity" with the Colombian people.

The Sovereign Prince continued by extending the principality's sympathy to those affected.

"My family and the people of Monaco join me in offering the Colombian people our sincerest condolences and expressing our complete solidarity in the face of this tragedy."

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, and killed at least 111 people, damaged more than 1,500 buildings, and left an unknown number of people buried under rubble. © JAIME SALDARRIAGA
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, and killed at least 111 people, damaged more than 1,500 buildings, and left an unknown number of people buried under rubble.

The statement concluded with a message of compassion for those mourning loved ones and those recovering from injuries. "Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured, to whom we extend our deepest compassion during these painful moments."

The message echoes one issued by the Monaco royal family in June after the devastating twin earthquakes that struck neighboring Venezuela. 

Volunteers and rescuers look for survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Cali, Colombia on August 11, 2026. © JOAQUIN SARMIENTO
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene joined other European royals in offering condolences to Colombia.

At the time, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene similarly offered their condolences and affirmed Monaco's solidarity with the Venezuelan people, underscoring the principality's longstanding tradition of publicly supporting nations affected by humanitarian disasters. 

Monaco's statement follows similar messages from other European royal households. Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also publicly expressed their condolences and support for Colombia in the aftermath of the disaster, reflecting a broader show of solidarity from royal families across Europe. 

Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search teams continue looking for survivors. © JAIME SALDARRIAGA
Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search teams continue looking for survivors.