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Prince William and Kate Middleton paused their private summer retreat to express their condolences over a tragic disaster unfolding far from home.
The Duke and Duchess of Wales, both 44, issued a heartfelt statement on social media regarding the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Nepal-China border on August 26. The disaster has claimed more than 300 lives, with around 1,000 people still missing.
“The scale of the devastation along the Nepal-China border is shocking. We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster,” the couple shared.
They also extended their gratitude to the rescue teams working tirelessly under hazardous conditions.
This message came shortly after King Charles released a similar statement, describing the event as heartbreaking and emphasizing the strong connections many in the UK have with the region. “We send our most profound sympathy to all those who have so tragically lost their loved ones,” he said, while also acknowledging the efforts of police and Armed Forces personnel involved in the rescue operations.
The royal family has been spending their summer at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, a longstanding tradition. William, Kate, and their three children-Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis-arrived on August 20. On August 23, they joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a church service at Crathie Kirk, continuing a custom closely associated with the late Queen Elizabeth.
By breaking their summer silence to address this calamity, William and Kate highlighted the severity of the crisis, demonstrating their empathy even while observing the royal family’s traditional seasonal break.