King Charles ‘heartbroken’ by Nepal flood disaster

King Charles III has expressed his heartbreak over the flash floods and landslides at the Nepal-Tibet border, as the United Kingdom pledged £5m in aid to support the disaster response.

The British monarch made the remarks on Thursday in a personally signed message posted on the royal family’s X account.

Charles said many people in the United Kingdom had “strong, deep and personal ties” to the affected part of the world.

“We send our most profound sympathy to all those who have so tragically lost their loved ones and we feel deeply for the many families awaiting anxiously the news of friends and relations,” he wrote.

The King also expressed sympathy to the families of police officers and armed forces personnel who died while responding to the disaster.

“Our hearts go out also to the families of all the police and armed forces personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their courageous duty in the service of others,” Charles said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK would support Nepal during the crisis, announcing £5m in aid and offering to deploy emergency responders.

“It’s a devastating picture that is emerging from what has happened in Nepal,” he told reporters, adding that the funding would support ongoing response efforts.

Nepal’s Tourism Board said 33 British nationals were among 517 foreigners reported missing following the disaster. However, the UK government has not confirmed the figure, saying only that “a number” of British nationals were believed to be missing.

The disaster has reportedly killed at least 180 people, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate missing persons and assist affected communities.

Britain has longstanding ties with Nepal, particularly through the Gurkha brigade, which recruits soldiers from the Himalayan nation.

The brigade paid tribute to Nepal’s Army and emergency services for their response to the disaster and expressed solidarity with those affected.

“As the scale of the tragedy in Nepal becomes apparent today, all of the Gurkha family stand united in support of the people affected,” it said.