Prince William and Kate Middleton have sent a message of support to the people of Alberta, Canada, after the area was hit by severe flooding. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who visited Canada in 2011, expressed their concern in a heartfelt letter sent to the country’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"Catherine and I have been saddened to learn of the deaths and destruction caused by the unprecedented flooding throughout the Province of Alberta," William wrote. "Please pass on our best wishes to the Lieutenant-Governor and Premier of Alberta and to the brave emergency services and all those volunteering to help their neighbours during this on-going period of intense efforts. "Please be assured of our continued thoughts and prayers for all those caught up in the flooding," the Prince added, signing the letter "William". William and Kate, whose first child is due in a few weeks' time, have a special connection with Canada, as it was the place of their first official overseas visit as a married couple.In July 2011, three months after their wedding, the couple arrived in the country to begin a nine-day tour. Their visit was a huge success, with Mr Harper remarking: "I say we haven’t seen a love-in like that since the first visit of the Beatles." Kate revealed on that trip that William was helping her settle into her new life. "I'm very, very lucky, he looks after me as much as possible," she told well-wishers.
The couple's letter came days after the region was declared a state of emergency as torrential rain led to devastating floods, killing at least three people and displacing more than 100,000.Soon after receiving their message, Mr Harper thanked the royal couple via Twitter. "I would like to thank The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge for their prayers & kind words of support," he tweeted. Alberta's Premier Alison Redford also tweeted her gratitude for the message, adding: "Very much appreciate the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge for their support of those affected by #abflood."