Princess Kate issues heartfelt statement after Devon Royal Navy helicopter tragedy
Kate and William said they hold the families of the three victims in their hearts
The Prince and Princess of Wales have offered their condolences following a fatal helicopter crash in Devon that claimed the lives of three Royal Navy personnel during a training exercise on Wednesday.
The crash
A British Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter went down during a training exercise in Devon in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of all three personnel on board.
The aircraft was part of the Commando Helicopter Force, a fleet of 25 helicopters operated by the Royal Marines and based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
Kate's personal statement
Taking to the official X account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Kate issued a personal statement on behalf of herself and Prince William in response to the tragedy.
"I was so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter training exercise last night," she wrote.
"William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time," she added, signing off with her initial "C" for Catherine.
Royal Navy's response
The Royal Navy also released a formal statement confirming the deaths and extending its condolences to the bereaved families.
"We are incredibly sad to report that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Sourton, Devon in the early hours of Wednesday," the statement read.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash," it continued.
"All three families have been informed and are receiving specialist support from the Royal Navy," the statement concluded.