King Charles says he is ‘deeply saddened’ by damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean and sends touching message to those who have lost loved ones

The King has expressed his “deep sadness” at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.

In a personal message, he sent his “deepest condolences” on behalf of the Royal Family and praised the emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working around the clock to deal with the aftermath.

It is understood that Her Majesty is also making a significant charitable donation towards disaster relief and recovery efforts.

He has asked to be kept closely informed about the development of the situation and hopes to communicate directly with regional leaders in the coming days to offer his support and condolences.

In his message, King Charles said: “My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. Above all, we send our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost their lives so cruelly.

A woman walks on Manresa beach, covered in garbage after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 3, 2024

Debris is seen outside destroyed houses in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, in Petite Martinique, Grenada, on July 2, 2024.

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‘I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to so much destruction, a spirit that has been called upon all 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 difficult time, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been completely devastated.’

Hurricane Beryl has hit several Caribbean islands, most recently Jamaica, killing at least eight people.

Nearly all homes have been destroyed or severely damaged on Union Island in the Grenadines, where authorities say the storm has caused “immense destruction.”

King Charles remains head of state in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but also in Grenada, which has also been badly affected, and in Jamaica.

No storm has reached Beryl’s intensity level so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

The King’s message comes after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had privately donated to the relief effort and continue to closely monitor the impact of the hurricane.