Royals wear black armbands in silent tribute to Air India crash victims
Princess Kate, King Charles, and Queen Camilla appeared visibly moved as they observed a solemn minute’s silence during Saturday’s Trooping the Colour, honouring the victims of the devastating Air India crash earlier this week.
The tribute came just days after a London Gatwick-bound Air India flight tragically crashed near Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, claiming the lives of 241 people.
The airline confirmed that among those on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers. Heartbreakingly, only one British passenger is reported to have survived.
Following the traditional military parade at Horse Guards Parade, the Royal Family joined the nation in reflection as the Last Post was played, followed by a moment of silence and Reveille.
As a personal gesture of mourning, King Charles requested that all uniformed members of the Royal Family wear black armbands “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning, and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told GB News.
Senior royals in civilian attire, including Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and her three children did not wear armbands, in keeping with protocol.
Other family members in civilian dress, such as the Duchess of Edinburgh, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duchess of Gloucester, also refrained.
In the wake of the devastating Air India crash, King Charles issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sorrow and solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” the monarch said, following news of the disaster that claimed 241 lives.
He continued, “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.”
