The Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside King Charles, have shared messages of "condolences" in the wake of a school shooting in Canada that left nine people dead.
The royal couple signed a personal message posted on social media with their initials in tribute to victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history.
"We stand with all Canadians following this morning’s appalling tragedy," their message read. "Our hearts are with the entire Tumbler Ridge community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss.
"We are so thankful for the courage shown by the students, staff, and emergency responders who acted with selflessness in the face of such violence." The message was signed "W&C."
Their words were echoed by The King, who expressed his profound "shock and sadness" at the "senseless act of brutal violence". Charles, who is monarch of Canada, said: "My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
"We can only express our deepest possible sympathy to the families who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their loved ones and those still awaiting news from hospital. In such a closely connected town, every child’s name will be known and every family will be a neighbour. We can only begin to imagine the appalling shadow that has now descended across Tumbler Ridge and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so shattered by this senseless act of brutal violence.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe royal concluded: "I very much wish to thank the town’s police and staff at the health centre for their courage as first responders, and all those across British Columbia who have helped in every way they have. In sending our most heartfelt condolences, my wife and I stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians as they seek understanding, healing and strength."
The message was signed Charles R.
The shooting
The shooting took place on 10 February in two separate incidents. In the first, two people were killed at a private resident, before the shooter headed to the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where they killed seven people before turning the weapon on themselves. A further 27 people were injured.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesPolice have confirmed that their suspect was "a female in a dress with brown hair," but they withheld her name for privacy reasons.
Charles and Canada
The monarch has a close relationship with Canada, which is a Commonwealth region. Charles was last in Canada last year in what was his first visit since acceding to the throne in 2022.
© Getty ImagesCharles and his wife, Queen Camilla, celebrated the country's cultural heritage and diversity at a community event. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said ahead of the visit: "The King and Queen are very much looking forward to the programme, mindful that it is a short visit but hopefully an impactful one."
