London, UK – In a solemn yet spectacular celebration, King Charles III led the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday morning, marking his official birthday with grandeur, military precision—and a heartfelt tribute to victims of the recent Air India plane crash.
The historic event, which has honoured the monarch’s birthday in June for over 260 years, drew thousands of spectatorsto central London, where crowds lined The Mall and St James’s Park to catch a glimpse of the royal family and the British Army’s famed Household Division.
A Moment of Mourning Amid Pageantry
In an unprecedented gesture, the King requested that all royals participating in military dress wear black armbands as a mark of respect to those lost in the crash near Ahmedabad, India, which claimed all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board. Coachmen, military personnel, and senior royals, including Prince William, were seen donning the armbands.
Following his inspection of the troops at Horse Guards Parade, King Charles called for a minute’s silence, stating it was in recognition of “the lives lost, the families in mourning, and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy.”
“He was desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad,” said a Buckingham Palacespokesperson.
Flags across royal residences have flown at half-mast since the tragedy was confirmed.
Royal Appearances and Health Updates
This year’s parade carried a different emotional tone compared to last year’s—when attention focused on Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her return to public duties amid her cancer diagnosis. Now in remission, Catherine was present at today’s event, though the focus on her health was far less intense.
King Charles, who is still undergoing cancer treatment, opted once again to travel in a carriage rather than on horseback. Nonetheless, the King has resumed a full public schedule and recently returned from a high-profile visit to Canada, where he voiced support for the country amid tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Parade and RAF Flypast
The Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards trooped their flag—also known as their “colour”—before the monarch, with over 1,350 soldiers and 200 horses participating. The ceremony, which began at 10:45 BST, wound through the capital from Horse Guards Parade, along The Mall, and back toward Buckingham Palace.
The spectacle concluded with the much-anticipated Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast at 13:00 BST, during which the royal family appeared on the palace balcony, waving to crowds below as fighter jets soared above.
History and Tradition
Although King Charles’ actual birthday falls on 14 November, Trooping the Colour has long marked the monarch’s official birthday in early summer—a tradition dating back to King George II.
Today’s ceremony, while celebrating monarchy and national pride, also showcased a moment of international empathy, as the royal family paused to grieve alongside the global community in the wake of the devastating air tragedy.
By Lisa Murimi
