Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday sent her "heartfelt condolences" to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Writing to president Benigno Aquino of the Philippines, she said she had been “deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life and devastation caused by the typhoon”.
"I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life and devastation caused by the typhoon that hit the Philippines at the weekend," she said in a message to Philippine president Benigno Aquino III.
"Prince Philip joins me in offering our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families at this difficult time.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to all those whose lives have been affected. Elizabeth R."
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen had also made a personal donation to the appeal to help those affected by the devastating typhoon.
British Prime Minister David Cameron is donating an additional P280 million to Yolanda relief efforts and will send a Navy warship and a Boeing C-17 freighter to help in the undertaking. The British embassy in Manila said the amount brings to approximately P1 billion or over £14 million the total amount of the United Kingdom’s assistance to the Philippines.
A television appeal for donations has been made by a group of leading UK aid charities following the devastating Philippines typhoon. In a latest report, a staggering £1.5 million has been donated by generous Britons to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the first 15 hours of an appeal backed by Myleene Klass and Kirsty Young.
The government said it would match donations to the appeal pound for pound up to £5 million.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "We've all seen the appalling devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan, with heart-breaking scenes played across our TV screens.
"Today's Disasters Emergency Committee appeal launch is a vital step to ensure aid agencies can provide essential relief to those most affected by this unprecedented disaster."
He added: "I am proud that the British public have always shown an unfailing generosity for helping those in need and I know their response to this appeal will be no different.
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