Prince Charles and Camilla share 'distress' over Qld and NSW floods, praise 'valiant' volunteers

Prince Charles has expressed his "immense concern and sympathy" amid the widespread flooding that has rocked Queensland and New South Wales, linking the severity of the events with climate change.

In a heartfelt statement on behalf of himself and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales addresses the "tragic deaths and devastation" that have resulted from the extensive flooding.

Charles also expresses his 'distress' after seeing imagery of the aftermath of the severe weather events.

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"Having visited many of the affected areas over the years, I am deeply shocked by the extent of this flooding across rural areas, as well as major cities such as Brisbane and Sydney," he writes.

Charles describes the images from Lismore and other effected communities in the Norther Rivers region and South East Queensland as "appalling", explaining, "We saw pictures of streets turned into fast flowing rivers and water levels rising to the rooftops of family homes."

The royal also praises the efforts of volunteers.

"From the other side of the world we witness the valiant efforts of volunteers in small boats rescuing trapped neighbours and strangers alike," he writes.

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"It is incredibly distressing to learn that thousands of homes have been left uninhabitable, beyond repair."

Camilla and Charles say their "heartfelt thoughts" were with those who lost friends and relatives, as well as the thousands of people and businesses who had received "yet another blow after the privations caused by the Covid pandemic."

The prince, who is an environmental advocate, draws a link between the devastating weather events and climate change.

"These floods, along with the ferocious bushfires in Australia that shocked the world just over two years ago, remind us all that extreme weather events are becoming much more common," he writes.

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"Climate change is not just about rising temperatures. It is also about the increased frequency and intensity of dangerous weather events, once considered rare."

Charles concludes the message expressing his "untold sympathy to Australians whose lives have been devastated by the floods, but also admiration for the selfless role played by all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts."

"My great admiration for the resilience, courage and compassion of the Australian people in moments like these knows no bounds."