Kate Middleton and Prince William Privately Donate Funds to People in Caribbean Impacted by Hurricane Beryl

Kate Middleton and Prince William are extending help to those affected by Hurricane Beryl.

PEOPLE has confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales — both 42 — have privately donated funds to people in the Caribbean impacted by the storm and continue to follow the situation closely.

The news comes after the death toll of the Category 4 hurricane rose to at least ten on Thursday, July 4 after Beryl hit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, according to Reuters.

It was previously reported on Wednesday, July 3, that nine people had died in the hurricane — three people in Grenada and Carriacou, three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and three in Venezuela.

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In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, King Charles also sent a message Thursday to the people of the Caribbean affected by Beryl.

“My family and I have been profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean,” the King’s message read. “Above all, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who have so cruelly lost their lives.”

“I have seen the extraor -

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dinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to such destruction — a spirit which has been called upon too often — and so I also send my particular gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts,” Charles added.

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“At this most difficult of times, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been so utterly devastated,” his message concluded.

Sources tell PEOPLE that Charles will also be making a charitable donation to recovery and relief efforts in the region. He has also asked to be informed of all developments and has asked to speak with regional leaders to express his sympathies and support.

As Head of the Commonwealth, Charles retains close ties to the Caribbean. According to the Commonwealth website a total of 13 countries in the Caribbean and Americas are part of the Commonwealth, while Charles is also head of state in Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, St Christopher and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia.

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