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King Charles IIIQueen Elizabeth II

Queen and Prince Charles Express Shock Over Paris Terror Attacks

The Queen and The Prince of Wales have today expressed their shock and condolences after the acts of violence that took place in Paris yesterday, leaving at least 129 people dead.

The Queen this morning released a statement reading: “Prince Philip and I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of life in Paris.”

“We send our most sincere condolences to you, the families of those who have died and the French people.”

Prince Charles, who turns 67-years-old today, also condemned the incidents as “bestial attacks” and has expressed his “utter, total horror” at what has happened.

The near-simultaneous attacks in Paris yesterday were described by French President, François Hollande, as an “act of war” organised by the militant group Islamic State. Eight gunmen and suicide bombers targeted bars, restaurants, a concert, and a high-profile football match in the French capital.

A state of emergency has been declared with the country’s borders closing. Mr Hollande has announced three days of national mourning.

This is the deadliest peacetime attack in France and the worst in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings. 129 people are confirmed to have died with a further 180 critically injured.

The attacks come just ten months after the January terrorist attacks, where a satirical French magazine “Charlie Hebdo” came under attack as well as when hostages were held in a Jewish supermarket.

Charles is due to visit Paris in a couple of weeks, where he will give a speech at a major climate change summit being attended by world leaders.

Clarence House released a statement last night saying: “From Australia, the Prince of Wales is sending President Hollande a message of profound sympathy and solidarity with the people of Paris.”

Other world leaders have been sharing their reactions to the attacks, including US President Barack Obama, who said it was “an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians”.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was shocked and pledged the UK would do “whatever we can to help”.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are currently on a tour of Australia and will continue with engagements in Albany and Perth today.

Their visit of the country will come to a finish at the end of the week.