King Charles III has sent a message of condolence to the people of Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that struck the region on Friday, claiming over 1,000 lives and injuring approximately 2,376 individuals, according to reports from the military-led government of Myanmar.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, had its epicentre near the city of Mandalay, causing significant destruction to homes, infrastructure, and cultural sites, including pagodas and monasteries.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, King Charles conveyed both his and Queen Camilla’s shock and sadness at the scale of the disaster.

He stated, "My wife and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with its tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings, and livelihoods."

The earthquake had effects extending beyond Myanmar.

In neighbouring Thailand, tremors resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left 26 others injured, particularly at construction sites where structures collapsed, including a partially built high-rise in Bangkok.

Thai authorities reported that 47 people remained unaccounted for as of Saturday.

Charles, 76, is currently recuperating at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire after having been hospitalized due to temporary side effects from cancer treatment.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that he required a brief period of observation in a medical facility earlier in the week.

Despite health concerns, the King was seen in good spirits on Friday as he departed Clarence House in London.

In his message addressing the situation in Myanmar, King Charles acknowledged the ongoing hardships faced by the Myanmar people, commending their "extraordinary resilience and spirit" amidst continued challenges.

He extended his deepest sympathies to those affected, particularly to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to the earthquake.