Ken didn't protest at how tightly she was hugging him, instead he just held her tightly, giving her the comfort she needed. It had been bad enough just watching the tragedy from his vantage point, but Rose had been right there and knew the Minister personally.
When she pulled back and asked her questions, his mouth twisted downwards. He placed one hand on her head, preventing the violent shaking, and looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry, Rose," he said in a low voice, rubbing her back in an effort to calm her down. "But she's not. I'm really sorry."