By Charlie Proctor, with additional reporting by Moniek Bloks
The royals of Europe have today been sending messages of condolence to the King of Belgium and the Belgian people following the terror attacks which took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Several countries have already approached King Philippe to show their support, including King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Felipe of Spain and the Moroccan and Jordanian royal family.
King Harald of Norway was on of the first monarchs to send a message of support to King Philippe of Belgium, as did King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands who made a strong message to his neighbouring country on the royal family’s official website.
The Dutch King said: “This morning our neighbour Belgium were hit by violent attacks that killed innocent people. I have sent my condolences to King Philippe. Netherlands feel strongly for the victims and for the Brussels population now live in uncertainty and fear. Europe is once again through an ordeal. What is needed now is for us to show our collective strength and we remain committed to the values ??of freedom and solidarity.”
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima recently made an official visit to France where they met with the survivors of the Paris terror attacks last November.
King Harald said: “It is with dismay that I and my family have taken note of the terrible events of Brussels. At this difficult time we all stand united against these merciless acts of terrorism and our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.”
The Belgian Royal Court released a statement from King Philippe, which read that he and Queen Mathilde were “shocked by the horrific attacks” in Brussels. They said that their thoughts were with the victims and their families.
The King and Queen’s activities were cancelled for the rest of the day, including a lunch with Mrs. Georgieva, the vice-president of the European Commission. The schedule for Wednesday have also been amended for both the King and Queen. The King is in close contact with the government and the emergency services.
The Spainish Monarch, King Felipe VI, says that he is “dismayed by the attacks in the capital of Europe” and offers his “solidarity and support to Belgium and its institutions.”
At least 34 people died and dozens more were injured in the attacks which took place at the city’s international airport and a metro station.
The attacks come just four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was captured and arrested in Brussels.
Belgium has now raised its terrorism threat to its highest level and the death toll is expected to rise.
My deepest love to your nation bereaved. “For who believeth in me shall not perish; but, have ever lasting life.” [J.C.] God bless and keep your nation free from such terror in the future.