King and Queen make 'lifesaving' donation for Jamaica's hurricane relief

King Charles and Queen Camilla have made a private donation to support relief efforts in Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The category 4 hurricane (previously category 5) has claimed at least 19 lives and caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean over the past week. The 76-year-old monarch expressed his and Camilla’s “deep concern” for Jamaica in a statement on Thursday, and the King and Queen made a donation of an undisclosed amount two days later, per GB News.

According to the British Red Cross, Their Majesties’ contribution will help the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) deliver urgent aid to affected communities, including search and rescue operations, healthcare, shelter, clean water, and food.

“King Charles and Queen Camilla’s donation will help the IFRC network continue its lifesaving work, particularly in Jamaica,” said British Red Cross chief executive Beatrice Butsana-Sita. “The scale of this disaster is immense, and the Red Cross will be there for the long road ahead.”

The IFRC’s Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, also expressed gratitude for the royal family’s support, saying he hopes it “will encourage others to donate, too.”

In his statement, Charles reflected on his long-standing personal connection to Jamaica, having visited the island while serving in the Royal Navy on the West Indies station over fifty years ago.

“I know that no disaster can break her people’s enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness.”

The UK has had “strong links” with Jamaica for years, notes Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. In addition to the King and Queen’s donation, the UK government has pledged £2.5 million in emergency aid and is arranging charter flights to help British nationals return home, while specialist teams assist with relief and recovery efforts on the ground.