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King Charles has issued a message to the people of Canada following a deadly attack in Vancouver on Saturday. The King said that he and Queen Camilla sent their “deepest possible sympathy” after 11 people were killed at a street party celebrating the Filipino Canadian community.
“Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals,” the King’s message, which was signed Charles R, read. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.” The message was also issued in French.
Per Reuters, police arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene, who was described as having a history of interactions with authorities involving mental health issues. The incident is not believed to be an act of terrorism.
The street party was marking Lapu-Lapu Day, held annually on April 27, where the Filipino community celebrate 16th Century leader Datu Lapu-Lapu. He defeated Spanish forces attempting to colonize the Philippines.
King Charles is head of state in Canada, which is one of 14 Commonwealth realms outside of the U.K., which still have the British monarch as their head of state. The King met with new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last month at Buckingham Palace just after he was appointed. A few days earlier, he met Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau at Sandringham House. However, Charles has yet to visit Canada since becoming King in 2022 and curtailing his travel last year due to his cancer diagnosis.
Contributing Editor
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
