The Prince of Wales has said he is “deeply saddened by the tragic images” in India as its coronavirus death toll passes 200,000.

In a message to the Indian people, Charles said they were in his “thoughts and prayers”.

He added that the British Asian Trust, which he founded in 2007, has launched an Oxygen For India emergency appeal to raise funds for oxygen concentrators to be sent to hospitals.

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He said: “For well over a year the pandemic has had a devastating impact on so many of us around the world.

“This week, I have been deeply saddened by the tragic images we have all seen as COVID-19 takes its horrific toll in India.

“Like many others, I have a great love for India and have enjoyed many wonderful visits to the country.

“Indian aid and ingenuity has been a support to other countries through this immensely difficult time. As India has helped others, so now must we help India.

“With support from the Indian diaspora, the British Asian Trust has launched an emergency appeal for India to channel this desire to do something about this terrible situation and help save lives.

“I would also want those suffering the effects of this pandemic in India to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Together, we will win this battle.”

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A surge of new infections has left the healthcare system in the world’s second-largest country on the brink of collapse.

In the past week, more than 2,000 people have died every day.

There have been 3,293 deaths reported in the most recent 24-hour period and 362,757 new infections – a global record which takes its cases total to more than 17.9 million.

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