Princes Royal wade in to help fight flood
Print Edition
PRINCES William and Harry pitched in for flood victims yesterday as a new winter storm barreled toward Britain, threatening fresh misery after the wettest start to the year for 250 years.
The princes joined soldiers distributing sandbags to protect properties in the flood-hit village of Datchet, in the shadow of Queen Elizabeth II’s Windsor Castle residence.
The royal relief came as the Met Office said a “multi-pronged attack” of wind, rain and snow was sweeping across the country after making landfall in southwest England. It said up to 40 millimeters of rain could fall yesterday as officials warned of huge waves on England’s south coast as high tides combine with 128-kilometer-per-hour winds.
About 16,000 people also remained without power following a storm on Wednesday when hurricane-force gales left one person dead.
Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated his promise to do “whatever it takes” to help stricken communities.
“Obviously, we are facing a very difficult time because ... these are extraordinary weather events, but we are fighting on every front to help people,” he said.
More than 5,800 properties have been flooded since early December while huge swathes of farmland have been inundated, putting Britain’s fragile economic recovery at risk. About 1,000 more houses were evacuated along the River Thames and in western England yesterday.
The swollen Thames was expected to reach its highest level for 60 years at the weekend, promising fresh misery for flooded towns.
In the Thamesside village of Datchet, Princes William and Harry donned wellington boots and waterproofs as they lugged sandbags alongside members of the Household Cavalry.
“The Duke and Prince Harry wanted to show their support to the flood victims,” a Kensington Palace spokeswoman said.
Buckingham Palace meanwhile said the queen was helping farmers in the southwestern county of Somerset by contributing feed and bedding from the royal farms.
A total of 17 severe flood alerts indicating a risk to life are in place across Britain.
Cameron has said he will seek financial aid from the European Union to cope with the floods.
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