Britain's Queen makes donation to Asian earthquake victims

Oct 14, 2005, 13:08 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has made an unspecified donation to victims of the Asian earthquake.

The queen made the personal donation to help the devastated region after being moved by the disturbing scenes of the disaster on the television.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said the 78-year-old monarch hoped her donation would encourage the British public to continue supporting victims of last weekend's earthquake.

The source said: "The queen is making a donation for the earthquake appeal. She hopes it will encourage others to give and be generous."

The earthquake killed thousands and devastated many parts of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan when it struck last week, while thousands of survivors have been left homeless.

So far more than £5 million has been pledged by the UK to an appeal set up by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

The queen is also planning to meet members of the Pakistani Kashmiri community when she visits north east England.

Her son, Prince Charles has also expressed his condolences over the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake.

He told Pakistan's envoy, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, of his sorrow over the tragedy when the pair met at an event hosted by Islamic Relief in London earlier this week.

Lodhi also briefed the Prince of Wales about the rescue and relief effort currently under way.

She told Charles the victims were grateful for Britain's compassion and support.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International