King Charles III has joined royals across Europe in sending messages of condolence following the catastrophic flooding that struck the mountainous border between Nepal and China’s Tibet region.
The disaster unfolded on Wednesday, August 26, after a collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayas sent a powerful surge of water, mud and debris through communities below. Homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure were swept away, leaving entire areas difficult to reach.
© PRAKASH MATHEMAAt least 359 deaths had been confirmed in Nepal by Thursday, while more than 1,000 people remained missing across Nepal and Tibet. Hundreds of international tourists and pilgrims were among those still unaccounted for, including British citizens.
Search and rescue operations remain underway, and authorities have warned of an additional threat from a newly formed lake that could overflow or burst.
King Charles says he and Queen Camilla are “heartbroken”
In a personal message signed “Charles R.,” the King acknowledged the close relationship between the United Kingdom and the region while expressing his concern for those awaiting news.
© Andrew Milligan - PA Images“My wife and I are heartbroken to hear of the devastating flooding that has struck the Nepal-China border,” Charles said.
“Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world. 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.”
© Ezra AcayanThe monarch also paid tribute to members of the emergency services and Armed Forces who died while responding to the disaster.
“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,” he continued.
© NurPhoto“Our special thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected and, as always, the United Kingdom stands ready to help support those in need.”
Although Queen Camilla was not named individually in the message, the King opened the statement on behalf of himself and his wife.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima stand with grieving families:
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands also released a joint statement as the devastating extent of the flooding became clearer.
© Patrick van Katwijk“The devastating effects of the flooding in Nepal are becoming ever more apparent,” the Dutch royals wrote. “Many families now find themselves mourning loved ones or anxiously waiting for more news.”
“Our thoughts are with them, as well as with everyone involved in rescue efforts and providing assistance.”
© Ritesh ShuklaThe message, shared in both Dutch and English through the Dutch royal family’s official social media account, was signed by the King and Queen.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene express their “profound sorrow”
Prince Albert II of Monaco issued a message on behalf of himself, Princess Charlene, their family and the people of Monaco.
© Julien M. Hekimian“Princess Charlene and I wish to express our profound sorrow at the terrible disaster currently affecting the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet,” the Sovereign Prince 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.”
© NurPhotoAlbert concluded by recognizing those working in dangerous and challenging conditions.
“We commend the dedication of the rescue teams mobilized in particularly difficult conditions and hope that the search operations will lead to the swift recovery of those still missing.”
Albert and Charlene have a personal connection to Nepal. The couple traveled there in 2011, visiting humanitarian and educational initiatives supported by organizations in Monaco. Their foundations have also supported projects providing clean water and improved sanitation to children in Nepalese communities.
