Kate Middleton and Prince William break summer silence with message after Nepal-China border floods

The statement comes as William and Kate have been keeping a low profile during the retreat at Balmoral Castle

Kate Middleton and Prince William have broken from their private summer holiday to issue a statement following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-China border.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, shared a message on their social media accounts expressing their shock and sympathy after the disaster on August 26 left at least 300 people dead, with around 1,000 others still missing.

"The scale of the devastation along the Nepal-China border is shocking. We are thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster," William and Kate wrote.

"Our thoughts are especially with the families facing an unbearable wait for news and with the communities confronting such immense loss."

They also praised the emergency workers involved in the response, adding: "We are incredibly grateful to all those working in such dangerous conditions to rescue people and support those affected."

The statement comes as William and Kate have been keeping a relatively low profile during the royal family's annual summer retreat at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The couple travelled to Scotland with their three children, Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, on August 20. They were later seen attending the traditional Sunday church service at Crathie Kirk alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.

King Charles also issued a statement about the disaster, saying he and Queen Camilla were "heartbroken" by the flooding and expressing sympathy to those who had lost loved ones. He also praised police and Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives while carrying out rescue efforts.

William and Kate's intervention comes at a particularly significant moment for the royal family. Their summer gathering in Scotland coincided with the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after the couple spent six years living in the United States.

Harry and Meghan are establishing a private, non-royal base in Britain, with their children expected to begin school there in September. Harry's relationship with his brother remains deeply strained, however, with a source previously telling PEOPLE that the brothers currently have "no contact."

The Wales family's summer break also comes just weeks before a major milestone for Prince George, who is due to begin at Eton College in September. His parents are preparing for the transition while continuing their royal duties and family commitments.

Although William and Kate have largely stayed out of the spotlight during their holiday, the devastating floods prompted them to temporarily set aside their private break and use their public platform to express solidarity with those affected.