King Charles and Queen Camilla left ‘shocked and saddened’ following devastating news at…

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been left “shocked and saddened” as the royals released an official statement following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

On Friday a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country near the city of Mandalay, with tremors felt as far as the UK tourism hotspot of Bangkok, Thailand.

The King issued a statement to the people of Myanmar on Saturday morning, describing the natural disaster as a “difficult and heartbreaking time”.

The South-East Asian nation is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations despite once being part of the British Empire.

The statement read: “To the people of Myanmar.

“My wife and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with its tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings and livelihoods, not to mention the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship.

I know that the people of Myanmar continue to endure so much hardship and tragedy in your lives, and I have long admired your extraordinary resilience and spirit.

“At this most difficult and heartbreaking of times, my wife and I send our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have suffered the profound tragedy of losing their loved ones, their homes and their precious livelihoods.

The monarch signed off the message with his signature, “Charles R.”

The King notes the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship.
The country’s military government says the number of people killed has risen to over 1,000, with 2,376 injured.

Up to 100,000 people are feared dead as rescue operations continue.

Buildings in Bangkok have sustained damage from the seismic event, and hundreds of people in the tourism hotspot have been evacuated.

The Foreign Office has issued no advice against travelling to Thailand or Myanmar due to the earthquake at present, stating: “If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.”

However, some experts have suggested to stay clear of the region.

International support has started to arrive in Myanmar, as rescue workers tackle the aftermath of the earthquake for a second day.