- It is expected that His Majesty will make a donation for recovery and relief efforts
The King has expressed his “deep sadness” at the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
In a personal message, he expressed his “sincere condolences” on behalf of the royal family and praised the emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working day and night to deal with the aftermath.
It is also reported that His Majesty will make a significant charitable donation to support post-disaster reconstruction and relief efforts.
He has asked to be kept closely informed of developments and hopes to meet directly with regional leaders in the coming days to express his support and condolences.
In his message, King Charles said: ‘My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the terrible devastation that Hurricane Beryl has caused in the Caribbean. Above all, we send our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those who so cruelly lost their lives.
The King (pictured yesterday with Queen Camilla) has expressed his ‘deep sadness’ at the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean
A woman walks along Manresa beach covered in trash after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 3, 2024
Wreckage is seen outside damaged homes after Hurricane Beryl passed through, in Petite Martinique, Grenada, July 2, 2024
‘I have seen the extraordinary resilience and solidarity that people in the Caribbean have shown in response to this devastation, an attitude that has been called upon far too often. I would therefore like to extend my special thanks to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time are with all whose lives, livelihoods and properties have been so utterly destroyed.”
Hurricane Beryl has hit several islands in the Caribbean, including Jamaica recently, killing at least eight people.
Nearly all homes on Union Island in the Grenadines have been destroyed or severely damaged, with authorities saying the storm caused “massive devastation.”
King Charles remains head of state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, of Grenada, which has also been badly hit, and of Jamaica.
No storm has reached Beryl’s intensity this early in the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
The King’s message came after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had privately donated to the relief effort and were continuing to closely monitor the impact of the hurricane.