British King Charles III On Thursday, he and his family sent their “deepest condolences” to the people of the Caribbean affected by the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.

In an official statement, the 75-year-old monarch, who is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, said both he and his family were “deeply saddened” to learn of the news. “The terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.”

“First of all, we express our deepest condolences to the friends and relatives of those who lost their lives in such a cruel manner,” the sovereign notes.

“I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that the people of the Caribbean have shown in response to such devastation, a spirit that has been called upon too often, and I also extend special thanks to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts,” the king added.

Charles III also emphasizes in his message that “in these very difficult times” his “most special thoughts and prayers go to those whose lives, way of life and property have been completely destroyed.”

Beryl has weakened to a Category 3 but remains a major hurricane as it moves across southwest Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean Sea today en route to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with threats of damaging winds and waves, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.