King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘Dreadfully Saddened’ by Deadly Colombia Earthquake as Royals Send Condolences

King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their profound sadness following the devastating earthquake in Colombia that has killed at least 224 people and left approximately 3,000 missing.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American country at 7.34am local time on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), with its epicentre located in San José del Palmar.

The scale of the destruction has made it Colombia’s deadliest earthquake of the century, prompting messages of sympathy and solidarity from royal families across Europe.

King Charles sends message to the people of Colombia

Following news of the mounting casualties, King Charles released an official statement through the Royal Family’s social media channels addressed directly to “the people of Colombia.”

“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.

Charles offered his sympathy to those who had lost loved ones, as well as the injured and families still waiting for information about missing relatives and friends.

“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,” he continued.

The King also paid tribute to the response of the Colombian people amid the unfolding disaster.

“We greatly admire the resilience and strength of the Colombian people, and we send our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences during this most challenging and distressing period.”

Monaco’s royals express their solidarity

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

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco said they had been “deeply moved” after learning about the powerful earthquake and its devastating human toll.

“My family and the people of Monaco join me in extending our deepest condolences to the Colombian people and in expressing our full solidarity in the face of this tragedy, which occurred a month and a half after the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela,” their statement read.

They added that their thoughts were with grieving families and those who had been injured.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia send support

Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also expressed their “deepest solidarity” and support for those affected.

“We wholeheartedly stand with those who have lost a loved one and with all the people affected by the earthquake,” they said.

The Spanish royals also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding those still unaccounted for, including 164 Spaniards who had yet to be located.

“Our thoughts are also with the missing persons, among them 164 Spaniards who have still not been located, in the hope that all of them may be found as soon as possible.”

King Felipe had been in Cali just days before the disaster. He visited the city on Friday to oversee the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Cali among the areas worst affected

Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city with an estimated population of 2.3 million, has suffered some of the most extensive damage.

More than 5,000 homes have been destroyed in the city, while 40 buildings have collapsed.

Cali mayor Alejandro Eder said 37 people had been rescued from collapsed structures as emergency teams continued their work.

President Abelardo de la Espriella sought to reassure those affected by the disaster, insisting that nobody was “alone.”

“The Government is here and taking action,” he said.

Eder offered a similarly determined message as rescue and recovery efforts continued across the devastated city: “We will get through this together.”

With thousands of people still reported missing, attention remains focused on rescue operations and families desperately waiting for news of their loved ones.