In a poignant tribute to the victims of the devastating Air India plane crash, King Charles has approved significant changes to the Trooping the Colour Parade scheduled for Saturday, June 14.
As a mark of mourning, the King, 76, will wear a black armband on his military uniform. His son, Prince William, along with members of the Royal Mews and mounted officers participating in the procession, will also don black armbands. These visible symbols of respect are intended to honor the 241 lives lost when the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London&rsquo;s Gatwick airport on June 12.
Following the inspection of troops at Horse Guards Parade, the King will take his place on the dais for a moment of silence. The tribute will be initiated by the sounding of the Last Post &mdash; a ceremonial bugle call often used in military funerals and remembrance services.
A royal spokesperson stated that the modifications are being made "as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning, and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy."
This is not the first time the monarchy has adapted official ceremonies in response to national tragedies. In 2017, following the Grenfell Tower fire in London, a moment of silence was observed during the Birthday Parade in remembrance of the victims.
The upcoming ceremonial changes reflect the Royal Family's solidarity with those grieving in both India and the United Kingdom. To date, only one survivor has been confirmed &mdash; 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh &mdash; while identification and recovery efforts for the deceased continue.

King Charles will wear a black armband to Honour Air India Crash Victims

Black armbands, silence at Trooping the Colour as tribute to 241 lives lost in Air India tragedy

King Charles to Honour Air India Crash Victims

Black armbands, silence at Trooping the Colour as tribute to 241 lives lost in Air India tragedy

June 14, 2025 | 13:27 IST