In this message, the sovereign expressed to President Sarkozy, to the families of the victims and the French people his heartfelt condolences and sincere solidarity in this trying time.
    
    A violent late winter storm with fierce rain and hurricane-strength winds ripped across Western Europe on Sunday, battering France and four other countries, leaving at least 51 people dead.

    The storm, named Xynthia, was the worst in France since 1999 when 90 people died.