The personal statement from Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla also issued a sombre message in the wake of the tragedy. Writing from Canada, where the royal pair are currently on a milestone state visit, Their Majesties took to social media to praise the ‘strength and community spirit’ of the city.
‘It is truly devastating to see what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances,’ the King and Queen wrote. ‘At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.’
The message continued: ‘Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.’
The Princess Royal met with medical staff from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital todayPETER BYRNE/Getty Images
Princess Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital today, meeting with emergency responders and local officials who coordinated a public response immediately after the events took place. The Princess Royal, who had planned to be in the city on Tuesday to visit the Cunard ship Queen Anne, thanked the emergency service representatives, including medical staff, who told her that it was ‘very, very fortunate’ that there were not more major injuries.