Last updated at 09:15, Friday, 11 June 2010

The Prince of Wales will visit west Cumbria later today to show his sympathy for those affected by last week’s shootings.

Prince Charles

A spokeswoman for Prince Charles said he had been invited by Sir James Cropper, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, to visit Whitehaven, the town at the centre of Derrick Bird’s rampage.

The Prince is also expected to thank emergency services and those who responded in the aftermath of the shootings.

The spokeswoman added: “His Royal Highness was pleased to have an opportunity to show his support and sympathy for the community following the tragic events of last week.

“The Prince is also grateful to be able to demonstrate his heartfelt thanks to those who responded, and continue to respond, in the aftermath of the shootings.”

The Queen said on the day of the shootings that she was “deeply shocked” by them and shared the country’s “grief and horror”.

The monarch also expressed her sympathy for the families of those killed and injured. The Prince said the next day that he was “utterly horrified” to learn about the shootings.

In a message to the Lord Lieutenant, Charles said: “My wife and I were utterly horrified to learn of the dreadful events which took place in Cumbria yesterday and can well imagine the devastating effect on the county.

“We would be so grateful if you could somehow convey our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the poor families whose lives have been so torn apart by such brutally tragic circumstances.

“It is scarcely bearable that Cumbria has had to endure this renewed suffering, particularly after last November’s floods and the recent coach accident. Our hearts go out to Cumbria.”

First published at 08:32, Thursday, 10 June 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk