The tragedy happened on June 12

King Charles has requested a minute’s silence and for members of the royal family to wear black armbands at Trooping the Colour today in a “mark of respect” for the victims of the recent Air India plane crash.

On Saturday (June 14), the king and senior members of the royal family will step out in London to mark his official birthday with a military parade and RAF flypast.

But following some tragic news this week, King Charles has made a poignant last-minute change to the parade.
The king and members of the royal family and household will observe a minute’s silence today in a “mark of respect” for the victims of the Air India plane crash (Credit: John Rainford/Cover Images)

King Charles requests minute’s silence at Trooping the Colour parade

A palace spokesperson has said the king, 76, has requested a minute’s silence at Trooping the Colour on Saturday “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”.

According to reports, King Charles will also wear a black armband on his military uniform. His son Prince William will do the same.

Coachmen and women from the Royal Mews and mounted officers will also wear black armbands.

The minute’s silence will take place after the king has inspected the troops on Horse Guards Parade.
The king’s official birthday parade takes place in London on Saturday (Credit: Cover Images)

King Charles’ tribute to victims of Air India plane crash

The tragic plane crash happened on Thursday, June 12. The London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India.

It claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew.

Following the tragedy, King Charles issued a statement as he paid tribute to the victims.

In a joint message posted to the royal family’s official social media platforms, the king described the incident as “appallingly tragic”.

“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” the statement read.

“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.”

The monarch added: “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.”

Why does King Charles have two birthdays?

Trooping the Colour today is the official birthday parade for King Charles. The annual event has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years.

However, the king’s actual birthday is November 14.

According to reports, his birthday parade takes place in June to make the most of the better British weather.