King Charles hails 'resilience and strength of Venezuelans' as he issues official statement
King Charles hails 'resilience and strength of Venezuelans' as he issues official statement
Ben McCaffrey Sat, June 27, 2026 at 8:55 AM UTC
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King Charles Venezuela statement | Source: X: THEROYALFAMILY
His Majesty King Charles said he has been left "deeply saddened" by the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela.
Two significant quakes hit the nation on Wednesday, reaching 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude - the latter being one of the strongest tremors in the last century.
So far, 920 people have been confirmed dead, with a further 3,360 injured, according to the government, as families and loved ones continue to search for missing people.
Many people remain missing, meaning the death toll is likely to rise further still.
La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas and home to one of the country's two main ports and its largest international airport, has been hit the hardest by the disaster.
In a statement released on social media late Friday evening, King Charles directly addressed "the people of Venezuela," as he expressed his sadness and sympathy for the tragedy.
"My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquakes that have struck your country, and of the tragic loss of life and suffering they have caused," the statement read.
"At this most difficult of times, we send our profound sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
"Our special thoughts are with the injured, those awaiting news of family and friends, and the emergency responders working tirelessly to support those in desperate need.
"We greatly admire the resilience and strength of the Venezuelan people and send our most heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy."
The UK has put together a substantial relief package in response to the disaster.
A 68-member search and rescue contingent from UK International Search and Rescue departed RAF Brize Norton on Friday, bound for the stricken nation.
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Venezuela earthquake | Source: GETTY
Venezuela earthquake | Source: GETTY
The team comprises firefighters drawn from brigades throughout the country, accompanied by six dogs trained in locating survivors beneath collapsed structures.
Humanitarian personnel also travelled with the group.
Additionally, the UK Emergency Medical Team has sent staff to the region to lay the groundwork for a potential larger medical deployment.
UKISAR operates under the auspices of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office when responding to international catastrophes.
The Government has committed £2million in humanitarian aid to support relief operations.
Meanwhile, the British embassy in Caracas sustained damage during the earthquakes but all UK staff have been confirmed safe and accounted for.
The diplomatic mission, situated on the 11th floor of an office block in the city's north-eastern district, has temporarily closed its doors.
Alternative arrangements are now in place to provide assistance to British citizens requiring consular support.
The number of UK nationals currently in Venezuela is believed to be in the low hundreds.
No reports have emerged of any British citizens being killed or injured in the disaster.
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