United Kingdom, June 3 -- Princess Catherine has led tributes to three Royal Navy personnel killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon.

The Princess of Wales, 44, responded after a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton, in the early hours of Wednesday (03.06.26) morning, saying she and Prince William were holding the victims' families and friends "in our hearts" following the tragedy.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed three service personnel had died, with the crash occurring during a training exercise between key Royal Navy bases in the south-west of England.

An investigation is now underway, with emergency services, military personnel and specialist recovery teams remain...