The Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as King Charles, have shared their heartfelt condolences to those impacted by a school shooting in Canada
Prince William and Princess Kate have shared an emotional statement on the ‘appalling tragedy’ that happened in Canada.
At 1:20pm local time on Tuesday (8:20pm UK time), a gunman opened fire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, located in a British Columbian town in Canada.
Police have confirmed that at least 10 people have been killed in the incident, and 25 others have been injured. In the hours after the tragedy, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with other members of the Royal Family, shared an emotional statement about the shooting to give their condolences to those impacted.
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In a statement posted on X, William and Kate said: “We stand with all Canadians following this morning’s appalling tragedy. 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. W & C.” The message from William and Kate came just minutes before a statement was issued by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who also expressed their grief over the horrific tragedy.
In a lengthy statement, the monarch, who is the King 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.
“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.”
At least 10 people have been killed in the shooting, as well as the person believed to be the shooter. Police superintendent Ken Floyd has told reporters that investigators had identified the suspect, but would not be releasing a name at this stage. Mr Floyd said the suspect’s motive remained unclear and that authorities are “not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy”.
Canadians in the small town of just 2,400 residents, located more than 600 miles north of Vancouver, are grieving after the tragedy. Canadian prime minister Mark Carney offered his “prayers and deepest condolences” to the families and friends of the victims after the “horrific” attack.
“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” he said in a statement.
