Prince William, Princess Kate back King Charles' powerful message

Prince William and Princess Kate have joined King Charles in showing solidarity and sharing condolences for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in Australia, which targeted Jews celebrating the first day of Hanukkah.

Just minutes after the King issued a message of hope as the extent of the tragedy continues to unfold, the Prince and Princess of Wales issued their own statement on their official Instagram page.

“Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach,” began the statement, which was shared to their Stories on Sunday, December 14.

The future king and queen continued, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.

Echoing King Charles’ words, William and Kate also praised first responders: “We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers.” They signed off the statement with their initials, “W & C.”

According to the latest update by the BBC, 12 people have been confirmed to have died, while 29 have been hospitalised after two gunmen opened fire at the Hanukkah event at one of Australia's most popular beaches.

Earlier, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened” by the attack.

However, the 77-year-old monarch struck a hopeful note, writing, “In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”