The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent a message to the people of Australia following a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon.
At least 12 people have lost their lives following the shooting, which is believed to have targeted the Jewish community.
Posting on social media, the couple said: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers.”
The message was signed ‘W&C’ – the initials of the couple.
William and Catherine’s message follows on from a statement by The King, who called the attack ‘appalling’, and that the love in Australia ‘will always triumph over the darkness of such evil;.
In full, the King said: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said: “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community. On the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Emergency services said that a number of others were wounded, including at least one child, with a total of 29 people receiving medical treatment.
UK Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer described the reports from Sydney as “deeply distressing”, adding that Britain’s “thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the appalling events at Bondi Beach”.
Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the scenes unfolding at the popular coastal location were “shocking and distressing”, calling the shooting “an act of evil antisemitic terrorism.”
