King Charles Orders Black Armbands for Trooping the color Parade After Air India Crash
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In a gesture of respect for the victims of the recent Air India crash, King Charles has requested that Royal Family members participating in the Trooping the Colour parade wear black armbands.
By amelia Davies | LONDON – 2025/06/15 03:39:24
The King’s Official Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, is set to proceed tomorrow with a notable adjustment. As a mark of respect for the lives tragically lost in the recent Air India crash, King Charles has requested that members of the Royal Family participating on horseback in military uniform don black armbands.
Among those expected to wear the armbands are Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Princess Anne, Colonel Blues and Royals; and Prince Edward, Colonel Scots Guards. This decision reflects the Royal Family’s desire to acknowledge the devastating event during the national festivity.
Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh are anticipated to watch the event alongside other members of the royal party.Royal enthusiasts are also hopeful that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will join them, as they did during last year’s parade.
The directive regarding black armbands does not extend to other members of the Royal Family attending in civilian clothing. Though, postilions and coachmen from the Royal Mews, along with other senior officers, will also wear black armbands as a sign of mourning.
In addition to the armbands, a minute’s silence will be observed following the inspection of the parade at Horse Guards Parade. The King will be present on the dais during this moment of reflection, which will be signaled by a last Post and Reveille.
A similar moment of silence was observed during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 2017, following the Grenfell fire that occurred three days prior. Additionally, Union flags at official royal residences were flown at half-mast as a sign of respect.
Royal Response to the Air India Crash
King Charles expressed his profound sorrow regarding the Air India crash, stating he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events” and conveyed his “deepest possible sympathy” to those awaiting news of their loved ones. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the monarch has been consistently informed about the situation as it unfolds.
In a written message, the King shared, “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.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of the emergency services, saying, “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.” It was later revealed that a UK national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was the sole survivor of the crash.
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning.”
Trooping the Colour: A Brief History
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Trooping the Colour performed?
- Trooping the Colour is performed to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign and is a tradition that dates back centuries.
- Who participates in the Trooping the Colour parade?
- Members of the Royal Family,various regiments of the British Army,and numerous horses and musicians participate in the parade.
- What is the significance of the regimental colour?
- The regimental colour, or flag, was historically used as a rallying point on the battlefield and is now a symbol of the regiment’s history and traditions.
- Where does Trooping the Colour take place?
- Trooping the Colour takes place in London, primarily at Horse Guards Parade, with the route extending along The Mall.
- How can I watch Trooping the Colour?
- Trooping the Colour is broadcast live on television and online. Limited tickets are also available for public viewing, but are highly sought after.
