The King has made some poignant last-minute amendments to his birthday parade on Saturday.
Charles, 76, has requested that members of the royal family participating in the Trooping the Colour parade in central London should wear black armbands following the tragic Air India crash on Thursday.
The deadly plane crash in Ahmedabad, western India, killed 241 of the 242 on board, with the flight carrying 53 British nationals. The sole survivor was Viswashkumar Ramesh, 40, from the UK.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said the King has made the gesture “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”.
Postilions and coachmen from the royal news will also sport black armbands alongside other senior officers.
© GettyHELLO! understands that there will be no change for other members of the royal family wearing civilian clothing.
A one-minute silence will also be held following the inspection of the military parade at Horse Guards Parade.
© Getty ImagesSenior members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are expected to be in attendance for the annual event, which marks the monarch’s official birthday.
“Desperately shocked”
After news of the tragedy broke, the King issued a message, writing: “My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.
“Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.
“I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”
Trooping the Colour
© Samir Hussein/WireImageWhat is it?
Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony performed by regiments of the British Army to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign. While Charles’ actual birthday is 14 November, official celebrations always take place in June.
When is it held?
In 2025, it is scheduled for Saturday 14 June.
Where is it held?
Central London, with the procession route travelling from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, along The Mall, and back again.
Who attends?
- King Charles III (in recent years, he has participated on horseback).
- Household Division: including the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry.
- Senior royals, such as the Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales often ride on horseback or appear on the palace balcony – like the Princess of Wales
Why is it called Trooping the Colour?
One regiment’s colours (flag) are “trooped” (carried) before the monarch. The event ends with an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace, viewed by the royal gamily from the balcony.
Historical roots:
It dates back to the 17th century and became an annual event to mark the sovereign’s official birthday under King George III in the 18th century.
Official celebrations to mark the sovereigns’ birthday have often been held on a day other than their actual birthday, particularly when the day has not fallen on a day in the summer.
Where can I watch it?
The ceremony is broadcast live by the BBC and covered globally.
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