Royal responses to Venezuela earthquake

Royals from around the world have sent their condolences to the people of Venezuela following a powerful earthquake with significant loss of life.

On Wednesday evening, two large earthquakes struck around 160km west of Caracas, violently shaking the surrounding region at around 7 pm. A magnitude 7.2 was first to hit, followed by an even stronger 7.5 that sent jolting, destructive underground waves outwards.

Figures are still being counted, as of Thursday afternoon, around 164 people are confirmed dead, with the number expected to rise. Videos shared to social media showed absolute destruction, with buildings collapsing onto streets filled with people escaping falling debris.

In response to the quake and loss of life, royal families from around the world have started to send in their condolences and heartfelt words of comfort for the victims’ families and those affected by the disaster.

— SPAIN: King Felipe and Queen Letizia were the first royals to send their thoughts, saying, “We offer our full support to the Venezuelan people in the wake of the tragedy caused by the two earthquakes that have struck the country. We wish to convey our solidarity, affection, and strength to all those injured and to the communities affected by this disaster. We share in the grief of the victims’ families.”

Queen Letizia was on a morning engagement when asked about her response to the unfolding disaster, saying in part, “The King is currently flying to Mexico and, like so many citizens of this country, he is — we are — concerned and following the news following those two earthquakes in various parts of Venezuela.”

King Felipe is en route to attend the Spain-Uruguay FIFA World Cup match in Guadalajara and to meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City.

— The Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima have responded to the “devastating” quake, saying, “Our neighbour Venezuela has been struck by devastating earthquakes. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the families who are now mourning or fearing for their loved ones.

The addition of “our neighbour” stems from Aruba, Curaçao, and the Caribbean Netherlands’ proximity to Venezuela.

— Monaco: Prince Albert released an official statement, which said, “Princess Charlene and I learned with deep emotion the occurrence of two violent earthquakes that hit western Caracas yesterday, causing brutal human casualties and injuring many. My family and the people of Monégasque join me in sending the Venezuelan people our most sincere condolences and showing them our full solidarity in the face of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and injured people to whom we send our deepest sympathy at this painful time.”

— Norway: King Harald sent a message to Venezuela’s acting president, “I was deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, which has claimed so many lives. On behalf of myself and the Norwegian people, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the people of Venezuela and ask you to convey my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and others affected by this tragic event.”

— United Kingdom: King Charles posted a message on social media.

— Thailand: King Maha Vajiralongkorn sent the following message: “The Queen and I are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the
extensive devastation caused by the catastrophic earthquakes which struck northwestern Venezuela, particularly in the states of Yaracuy and Carabobo. This disaster has led to the large numbers of lives lost, and of those injured and missing. Widespread destruction to homes, property and infrastructure has also been sustained. On behalf of the people of Thailand, we wish to express our profound condolences and sympathy to Your Excellency, and, through you, to the people of Venezuela who have suffered losses and bereavement. We pray for a rapid end to the mounting toll of fatalities, for the safety of those still missing and for the safety of the brave and selfless rescuers. We hold on the hope for the full restoration of the affected areas and the swift recovery of strength and resilience of the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

— Sweden: King Carl XVI  Gustaf sent a telegram: “The Queen and I wish to express our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating earthquakes. We also wish to offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of Venezuela.”

More reactions and responses are expected. This page will be updated as more statements are issued.