“The scale of the devastation along the Nepal-China border is shocking,” they said. “We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster.”

They added: “Our thoughts are especially with the families facing an unbearable wait for news and with the communities confronting such immense loss.”

The couple also paid tribute to those risking their lives during the rescue operation, saying they were “incredibly grateful” to everyone working in dangerous conditions to save people and assist those affected.

The message was signed simply “W & C”.

Death toll rises as hundreds remain missing

Nepalese authorities said at least 270 people had died in the flooding in the Rasuwa district, which borders China’s autonomous region of Tibet.

Three further deaths were confirmed across the border in Tibet.

The scale of the emergency continued to grow as the number of people reported missing in Nepal rose sharply from 403 to 826.

Among those believed to be unaccounted for were 33 British nationals, including a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy.

More than 30 British nationals were therefore among hundreds of people still missing as rescue teams continued their efforts on Thursday.

Flash floods leave communities buried in mud

The flooding caused rivers to burst their banks, sending torrents of water through populated areas.

Thick mud covered communities, buried homes and created extremely challenging conditions for emergency crews attempting to reach those affected.

The dangerous environment has made rescue operations increasingly difficult, with workers continuing to search for missing people while providing assistance to survivors.

William and Catherine specifically recognised those involved in these efforts, expressing their gratitude to everyone working under such hazardous circumstances.

King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘heartbroken’

The Prince and Princess of Wales were not the only senior members of the Royal Family to respond.

King Charles also sent a message expressing his sorrow over the disaster, saying he and Queen Camilla were “heartbroken” by the devastation.

The King offered his “most profound sympathy” to those affected and highlighted the close personal connections between Britain and the region.

“Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world,” Charles said.

His words came as the scale of the humanitarian crisis continued to unfold.

Britain offers £5 million in assistance

The UK Government has also pledged financial support to Nepal following the catastrophe.

The UK has offered £5 million to assist the Nepalese government as it responds to what Prime Minister Andy Burnham described as a “very distressing and devastating situation”.

The support comes as rescue teams face the enormous task of searching affected areas, helping survivors and dealing with the consequences of the widespread flooding.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Nepal.”

British nationals currently in Nepal have been urged to follow advice from local authorities and exercise caution while travelling.

The FCDO also provided consular assistance numbers for British citizens requiring help.

As rescue efforts continue, the messages from William and Catherine, King Charles and the UK Government have underscored the seriousness of a disaster that has left hundreds dead, hundreds more missing and entire communities confronting devastating losses.