King Charles expresses heartbreak over Hurricane Melissa devastation

King Charles has expressed his deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

In a heartfelt statement released through Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, October 29, the 76-year-old monarch said he and his wife Queen Camilla were “deeply concerned and profoundly saddened” by the “catastrophic damage” caused by the storm, which has now intensified to a Category 4 hurricane. 

His Majesty continued, “As we continue to follow the situation closely, our anxious thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected by this awful storm. Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

Reflecting on his personal connection to the country, Charles said, “Jamaica is a land for which I have had the greatest affection ever since I first visited the island while serving in the Royal Navy on the West Indies station over fifty years ago.

The King went on to praise the resilience and courage of the Jamaican people, saying no disaster could “break her people’s enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness.”

“I particularly want to express my sincere admiration for all of you, and especially for those who have responded so courageously when that spirit has been called upon in a desperate situation such as this. I have the greatest appreciation for the efforts of the emergency services, frontline workers and volunteers who are working bravely and tirelessly in support of rescue and recovery efforts around the island,” Charles wrote.

The King further emphasised, “This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster.“

He concluded the statement by saying, “Our special prayers are with you all,” and signed off as “Charles R.”