The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the German people following a bus crash in Madeira which killed 29 people.
All of those who died in the incident were German tourists who were visiting the Portuguese region on their travels.
Writing to Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, The Queen said: “Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to hear of the coach crash in Madeira.
“We extend our sincere condolences, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected.
“Elizabeth R.”
The cause of the crash is being investigated by authorities. A total of 55 people were on the bus when it veered off the road and plummeted down a deep hillside.
The Royal Family have a good relationship with Germany and the German people.
Only last year, President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, were invited to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday to lay a wreath.
President Steinmeier also delivered an address at Westminster Abbey during the same visit.
Next month, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are to make a four-day visit to Germany at the request of the UK government.
Charles and Camilla’s tour will run from May 7th to May 11th 2019 and see them visit Berlin, Leipzig and Munich on a trip that aims to show the depth of relations between the UK and Germany and underline the continuing importance of those links.
This latest royal visit gets under way in Berlin where the Prince of Wales will meet President Steinmeier and Frau Büdenbender. In the evening, the prince and the Duchess are set to attend the annual Queen’s Birthday Party, held by the UK Ambassador to Germany at his official residence.
You can read more about Charles and Camilla’s upcoming trip to Germany by clicking here.