In a statement released late on Saturday night, King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.”

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.

King Charles III has slammed the “senseless” attack at Bondi Westfield on Saturday. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

He signed off: “Charles R.”

Prince William and Princess Catherine, who have also stepped back from public engagements as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment, also released a short message of support on X.

“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today,” they said.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others. W & C.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge said they were ‘shocked and saddened’ by the deadly Bondi attack.

Six people were fatally stabbed at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

A lone 40-year-old man armed with a knife killed six people and injured at least eight more when he began his rampage at the busy shopping centre at 3.20pm on Saturday.

The injured included a nine-month-old baby and her mother, Ash Good who died in hospital.

Police are yet to ascertain a motive, but say terrorism appears unlikely.

A senior officer who took on the attacker by her self and shot him has been praised a hero who saved “countless” other lives.

The world was quick to respond to the tragic news out of Sydney.

Police have been praised for their courage in responding to the attack. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took to social media to praise the “exceptional courage” of NSW Police.

“Australia is family. So all New Zealanders are thinking of those affected by the tragic events in Bondi, especially the family and friends of those killed today,” he wrote.

“Exceptional courage from NSW Police, first responders and members of the public.”

US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney today.

”Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were lost, and wish the injured a speedy and complete recovery.”