On July 8, Canada's monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, issued a message which expressed her and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's, "profound sadness [over the] tragic events that have befallen the town of Lac-Mégantic" and hope "that in time it will be possible to rebuild both the property and the lives of those who have been affected." Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his prayers and condolences to those affected. The President of the United States, Barack Obama, expressed condolences for the "devastating loss of life" and offered American help, if needed.