King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘Dreadfully Saddened’ by Devastating Colombia Earthquake

King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their deep sorrow following a devastating earthquake in Colombia that has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands of people missing.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American country at 7:34am local time on Monday, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar, according to the US Geological Survey. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with Cali among the areas reportedly hit hardest.

In a statement shared through the official Royal Family social media channels, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “dreadfully saddened” to learn of the tragedy.

“My wife and I were so dreadfully saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that has struck your country, and the tragic loss of life and suffering it has caused,” the King said.

He continued by offering his thoughts to those who had lost loved ones, those injured and families still waiting for news.

“At this most difficult of times, our special thoughts are with the bereaved and injured, those awaiting news of family and friends and the emergency responders working tirelessly to support those in need.”

The King also praised the resilience of the Colombian people, sending his “deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences” during what he described as an extremely difficult period.

Other European royals send condolences

King Charles and Queen Camilla were not the only European royals to respond to the disaster.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco also expressed their sorrow, saying they had been “deeply moved” by news of the earthquake and its devastating consequences.

The royal couple extended their condolences to bereaved families and those injured, while expressing their solidarity with the people of Colombia.

Meanwhile, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain offered their “deepest solidarity and our full support” to those affected.

The Spanish royals also expressed particular concern for people still missing, including Spanish nationals believed to have been caught up in the disaster.

Cali faces widespread destruction

Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, has reportedly suffered extensive damage, with thousands of homes destroyed and dozens of buildings collapsing.

Mayor Alejandro Eder said rescue teams had managed to pull dozens of people from collapsed structures, while emergency workers continued searching for survivors.

The scale of the disaster has prompted a major rescue and relief effort as authorities attempt to locate those still missing and provide assistance to people left without homes.

With the death toll continuing to rise, King Charles’ message joins a growing number of international expressions of sympathy for Colombia as the country confronts one of its most devastating natural disasters in decades.