Australia bushfires: Queen Elizabeth 'deeply saddened' by horrific blazes

Queen Elizabeth says she's "deeply saddened" by the horrific bushfires that continue to rage across Australia.

Twenty-three people have died this fire season in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Dozens of blazes continue to threaten lives and it's feared many properties have been lost overnight.

In a statement, Queen Elizabeth offered her "thoughts and prayers" to Australians.

"I have been deeply saddened to hear of the continued bushfires and their devastating impact across many parts of Australia," she said.

"My thanks go out to the emergency services, and those who put their own lives in danger to help communities in need.

"Prince Philip and I send our thoughts and prayers to all Australians at this difficult time."

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also paid tribute to those continuing to face the devastating fires.

"From areas we are personally connected to such as the communities and people we visited in New South Wales - we are struck by the increasing overlapping presence of these environmental disasters," the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said on their official Instagram page.

Heavy winds continue to complicate firefighters' efforts to contain the raging bushfires.

Thousands of people are fleeing coastal towns, but some residents in areas of NSW are being told it's too late to leave.