London: King Charles has directed the British royal family to wear black armbands during the Trooping the Colour ceremony today, as a solemn tribute to the 241 passengers and crew who died in the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India on Thursday.

The monarch has also requested a minute’s silence before the formal proceedings begin, marking what Buckingham Palace described as "a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning, and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy."

The King, who will not ride on horseback this year due to ongoing cancer treatment, will lead the procession in a carriage. His instructions extend to senior royals including:

  • Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards
  • Princess Anne, Colonel of the Blues and Royals
  • Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Colonel of the Scots Guards

They will all wear black armbands while riding in the ceremonial event.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing nearly all on board, including many British nationals and entire families returning from holiday.

The King’s symbolic gesture mirrors Queen Elizabeth II’s 2017 decision to mark the Grenfell Tower fire with a minute’s silence during that year’s parade.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the changes to the programme, saying they reflect “the deep sorrow felt by His Majesty and the Royal Family at this moment of international mourning.”

Charles had earlier issued a written statement expressing his “deepest possible sympathy” and stating that he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events.”

Following the Trooping ceremony, the royal family will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, where they will watch a flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and other military aircraft.

The annual Trooping the Colour marks the Sovereign’s official birthday. This year’s parade, led by the Coldstream Guards, includes over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, forming one of the most elaborate military displays in the UK.

Royal watchers expect senior working royals to appear on the balcony, including Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and the Wales childre —George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Notably absent will be Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew, in line with the King’s policy of streamlining the monarchy.

The Royal Family’s public tribute comes amid global mourning over the tragic plane crash, which has touched communities in the UK, India, and beyond.