Killed in their sleep...the three British victims of Italian earthquake horror
He said: “They had not been buried very deep so we could reach them with our bare hands.”
Marcos’s parents are being treated in the town of Rieti, about 50 miles from the scene. They were initially taken to separate hospitals 40 miles from each other.
A hospital official said: “The husband has a broken leg and the wife has a broken nose with other injuries to her face.”
Marcos, from Bayswater, west London was a pupil at exclusive Wetherby School, in Notting Hill. Former pupils include Princes William and Harry.
Last night headmaster Nick Baker said: “We are bereft at the news that Marcos Burnett, a much-loved and admired boy at our school, has died in the earthquake in Italy. Our thoughts are with his family, and with all the victims of this terrible disaster. We are all devastated at the news.
“We are offering support to the family, and will also be supporting everyone at the school as we try to come to terms with this tragic loss.
“Marcos attended all three Wetherby schools and was always utterly charming, personable and engaging company. He was quick-witted, always had a smile on his face and wanted to be involved in everything. He was a friend to all and a credit to his school and family. He will be missed by all that knew him.”
The Henniker-Gotley family live in a £1.2million house in Stockwell, south London.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They were a lovely family. It’s very hard to take in.
“They were very warm and friendly, extremely good neighbours. It’s just so awful to think of their children.
“I think Maria’s father came from the village. When he was ill – he has since died – they bought a house there and they go out every summer.”
Mrs Henniker-Gotley worked as finance manager at the Children & The Arts charity in east London.
Jeremy Newton, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Maria worked as our finance manager throughout the past eight and a half years. She was totally dedicated, meticulous and professional and worked tirelessly to support the work of the charity.
“We have lost a valued colleague, of course, but, above all, two very dear friends.”
The Queen donated an unspecified amount to the British Red Cross, of which she is a patron, to support the Italian Red Cross in its relief efforts, Buckingham Palace said.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have previously said they were “saddened to hear of the loss of life” and sent their “thoughts and prayers” to the “people of Italy, especially the family and friends of those affected”.
Rescue crews using sniffer dogs have been working in teams around the hardest-hit areas of the country.
Lorenzo Botti, a rescue team spokesman, said: “We will work relentlessly until the last person is found, and make sure no one is trapped.”