King Charles has sent a heartfelt message to the President of Greece following a tragic train crash in the north of the country.
More than 40 people were killed in the head-on crash involving a passenger and freight train on Wednesday, with rescuers still searching the wreckage, and over 50 people being treated in hospital.
Expressing his sorrow in a letter to Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Charles wrote: "Dear Madam President,
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Charles has expressed his sorrow after the tragedy in Greece
"My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the dreadful accident involving two trains in Northern Greece and would like to express our deepest possible condolences to the families of all those who have so tragically lost their lives.
"During our visits to Greece we have always been struck by the kindness and generosity of the Greek people and our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with all those who have been affected by this appalling tragedy." He signed the letter, Charles R.
Princess Marie-Chantal and Prince Pavlos of Greece
Charles's message comes after Greece's Princess Marie-Chantal, shared a poston Instagram on behalf of her husband, Prince Pavlos.
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She wrote: "Such a sad day today for Greece, so many lost in the tragic train accident. My heart goes out to all the families affected. A statement from my husband @pavlosgreece: 'Today all Greece mourns. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in this inconceivable tragedy and with the injured who we wholeheartedly wish will soon leave the hospital.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCharles's father Prince Philip was born in Greece
"'Heart-felt thanks to the rescue teams and all medical staff for their heroic efforts, who helped the injured under difficult conditions. 'I am devastated by the thought of the unmeasurable pain the parents are going through, who lost their children so unfairly. God bless them and give them strength.'"
The collision has sent Greece into national mourning and prompted strikes and protests over rail safety. More than 300 people were on the train, many of them students returning from a holiday weekend and annual carnival celebrations.
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Greece holds a special place in King Charles's heart; his late father Prince Philip was born in Greece into Greek and Danish royal families before they were exiled. Furthermore, Charles is helping authorities in Athens to restore the now-abandoned Tatoi Palace – Philip's former family home.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCharles and Harry's relationship remains very strained
Charles's heartfelt message comes hours after it was confirmed that he has requested Prince Harry and Meghan Markle vacate their UK home, Frogmore Cottage.
Neither the monarch, nor the Sussexes, have commented on the decision, which was said to have been made shortly after the release of Harry's explosive memoir Spare in January.
Following the move, the question of Harry and Meghan's attendance at the coronation on 6 May remains up in the air.
© Photo: Getty ImagesIt's not known whether the Sussexes will attend the King's coronation
Given the couple's concern over security for their family, and with Frogmore Cottage no longer at their disposal, it seems increasingly less likely their children Archie and Lilibet will make the trip.
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