"In our thoughts and special prayers"

Prince Charles Sends Emotional Message To Beirut After "Horrific Explosion"

Prince Charles has conveyed his devastation at learning of the deadly Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. On Thursday, the Prince of Wales wrote an emotional message addressed to President Michel Aoun, expressing his and Duchess Camilla's condolences to the people of Lebanon. Read on to see Charles's statement.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla join the world in grieving for the loss and devastation of the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

On Thursday, the Prince of Wales released a statement of condolence to the people of Lebanon as the recovery effort continues following the explosion. Learning of the tragedy struck Charles "deeply," as he says in the letter.

Prince Charles's statement on the Beirut explosion

Charles conveyed his sympathies with a compassionate message released on Clarence House's social media pages on Thursday. The statement, addressed to Michel Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, read:

"My wife and I want you to know how deeply we feel for all the people of Lebanon following the horrific explosion in Beirut which has resulted in the tragic death of so many and caused such unimaginable devastation.

"Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones and all those who have been so terribly injured," the letter continued.

"However inadequate it may be, we did just want to assure you, dear Mr. President, that you and your people are very much in our thoughts and special prayers at this desperately sad time," HRH The Prince of Wales signed off.

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Prince Charles is in Scotland at Birkhall

Prince Charles would have learned of the news at Birkhall, his summer residence in Scotland. He and Duchess Camilla are currently holidaying there, where they'll reportedly stay for a week longer than originally planned.

The prince joins his mother, the Queen, in sending a message of condolence to the President of Lebanon. Her Majesty did the same on Wednesday, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives, and all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected."

Since the Queen's message went on Wednesday, the confirmed casualty total has risen from 135 to 137, according to CNN. 5,000 people were injured amid the vast destruction caused by the blast, and it's feared that the casualty number will rise. Another 300,000 people are displaced from their homes.

If you would like to help victims and the recovery, the New York Times identifies the Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon, and Baytna Baytak as groups to support.