In this message, the sovereign said he was deeply moved and saddened by "the sad news of the helicopter crash in Argentina which claimed the lives of several of your fellow countrymen, including sports stars."

"In this painful circumstance, I offer to your Excellency and to the victims' families, as well as to the French people, my heartfelt condolences and sincere solidarity and compassion," the message said.

 Eight French nationals, including three sports figures, died in the crash while shooting a reality show for TF1 TV channel.

 The two Argentinian pilots were also killed in this accident.