Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco have issued a poignant message of support to the people of Colombia following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday, killing at least 132 people.
The royal couple expressed their profound sorrow over the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the natural disaster.
In an official statement released by the Palais Princier de Monaco on Tuesday, Prince Albert sent a message of support on behalf of himself, Charlene, their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and the people of Monaco following the tragedy in western Colombia.
"Princess Charlene and I learned with deep emotion of the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia yesterday, leaving many casualties and many injured," wrote Prince Albert.
"My family and the people of Monégasque join me in sending the Colombian people our most sincere condolences and showing them our full solidarity in the face of this tragedy, which occurred a month and a half after the double earthquake that struck Venezuela."
He added: "Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and injured people, to whom we send our deepest sympathy at this painful time. S.A.S. le Prince Albert II."
© WireImageRoyals express their condolences to the people of Colombia
The message comes shortly after Qeen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain expressed their "heartfelt condolences" to those affected by the largest earthquake Colombia has seen in years.
"We wish to convey to the Colombian people our deepest solidarity and full support during these difficult times," a translated statement released by the Royal Household on 11 August read in response to the natural disaster.
It continued: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost a loved one and to all those affected by the earthquake.
© Getty"Our thoughts are also with the missing persons, including 164 Spaniards who have not yet been located, and we hope that they may all be found as soon as possible."
King Felipe had visited Colombia just days earlier for the inauguration of the new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, on 7 August.
All you need to know about the earthquake in Colombia
The epicentre of the 7.4 magnitude quake was in the village of San José del Palmar, causing widespread destruction in western Colombia.
The quake was felt across Manizales, Cali, and Pereira, as well as neighbouring Ecuador and Panama. Since the earthquake struck on 10 August, the death toll has risen to 169 people and at least 900 injured, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities.
Cali, which is the most populous city in southwest Colombia, has been the worst affected area with 85 reported deaths.
The earthquake comes less than two months after twin quakes devastated the north of Venezuela, killing more than 6,300 people.
