Queen makes 'personal donation' to Italy earthquake relief fund

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The Queen has made a ‘personal donation’ to the relief fund for victims of the devastating earthquake in central Italy.

Queen Elizabeth gave money to the British Red Cross, a charity she is a patron of.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace did not comment on how much she had donated to the fund.

The Italian Red Cross is helping to co-ordinate rescue efforts in areas worst hit by the 6.2 magnitude quake which has killed at least 260, injured 400 and destroyed buildings and homes. The earthquake and damage, one of Italy’s worst ever natural disasters, has led the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to declare a state of emergency.

More than 200 have been rescued since work began to free those trapped under the rubble. Mr Renzi has announced £42million in funds will be dedicated to reconstruction efforts in towns and tax breaks for residents living in areas where towns have been razed to the ground.

Additional reporting by the Press Association