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The Queen 'shocked' over Nepal earthquake, as stars rally fundraising efforts

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The Queen has expressed her "shock" about the Nepal earthquake, which struck the country on Saturday and Sunday. The death toll has risen to more than 3,726 people, with several Britons unaccounted for.

Buckingham Palace released a statement, writing that Her Majesty was "shocked to hear of the appalling loss of life and injuries" and that "her thoughts and prayers are with the victims".

The Queen, who visited Nepal in 1961 during an official tour, addressed the message of support to the country's president Ram Baran Yadav.

the queen1 © Photo: Getty Images

The Queen sent her "thoughts and prayers" to the victims of the Nepal earthquake

According to Nepalese officials, a further 6,500 people have been injured and at least 18 people killed in avalanches on Mount Everest, which happened as a result of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The UK has donated a total of £5million to help those affected, with Prime Minister David Cameron tweeting on Sunday: "UK search and rescue team plus medics flying tonight to #Nepal to assist following #NepalEarthquake. RAF aircraft will fly reinforcements and more supplies tomorrow. #Nepal."

Other messages of support from celebrities around the world have been pouring in on social media, with many stars urging their followers to make donations to charity.

the queen2 © Photo: Getty Images

The Queen visited Nepal on an official tour in 1961 alongside her husband the Duke of Edinburgh

"Thoughts with all affected by the devastating earthquake in Nepal – support the relief response here https://bit.ly/1HDRqyC #NepalEarthquake," wrote Richard Branson, with a link to Save the Children's fundraising page.

Ewan McGregor, an ambassador for UNICEF, retweeted posts from the children's charity, giving details about how to make donations by texting NEPAL to 70123. He also released a statement via the charity.

"I was able to visit this beautiful country with Unicef, so I know that the team on the ground will be doing everything in their power to help children and their families in danger," said Ewan.

"The children I met in Nepal left a lasting impression on me and now hundreds of thousands of them are facing a third night out in the elements. It's absolutely heart-breaking to think that some of the children I met have now been left with nothing. The earthquake has not only destroyed their homes and their schools, but left millions of children scared and in danger."

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Celebrities such as Katy Perry showed their support on social media

Katy Perry also wrote that her heart was "breaking" at hearing of the rising death toll, while Khloé Kardashian tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the proud, brave people of Nepal!! Such a devastating tragedy!! God bless!!!" alongside a broken heart emoticon.

The Delevingne sisters showed their support for relief efforts, with Poppy revealing on Twitter that she had donated to Save the Children and younger sibling Cara urging her 2.54 million followers to back the charity's appeal.