Royals ‘shocked and saddened’ by extent of devastation

The Queen said she and Prince Philip are “shocked and saddened” following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

The category five storm is continuing to tear a deadly trail through the Caribbean.

It has already left thousands homeless after destroying buildings and uprooting trees.

At least 10 people have died, including one in Anguilla, a British overseas territory that was among the first islands to be hit.

The Queen said: “Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened by the reports of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed or adversely affected by this terrible storm.

“Please convey my gratitude and good wishes to members of the emergency services and to those who are working on the rescue effort at this very difficult time for you all.”

The Queen is the constitutional monarch of Antigua and Barbuda– a ceremonial role.

Their prime minister, Gaston Browne, told the Associated Press that the latter island had been left “barely habitable” after the hurricane passed overhead, leaving around 60% of the island’s approximately 1,400 people homeless.

He said roads and telecommunications systems were wrecked and recovery would take months, if not years.

A two-year-old child was killed as a family tried to escape a damaged home during the storm.

Please convey my gratitude and good wishes to members of the emergency services