On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in London took on a somber tone as the British Royal Family paid heartfelt respect to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash. In a poignant gesture, King pays tribute to Air India victims at Trooping the Colour by ordering changes to the traditional parade, including a minute’s silence and the wearing of black armbands by senior royals and ceremonial staff.
The event, which officially marks the King’s birthday, saw over 1,350 soldiers from the Household Division march along The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, with hundreds of musicians and mounted officers adding to the spectacle. This year’s parade was especially significant, not just for its military grandeur but for the deep sense of compassion and solidarity displayed by the Royal Family and the nation.
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A Royal Tribute to Tragedy
The Air India crash, which occurred just two days before Trooping the Colour 2025, claimed the lives of at least 241 passengers and crew when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London’s Gatwick airport. Only one survivor has been identified so far, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
King Charles III, visibly moved by the tragedy, made a last-minute request for the parade’s program to be altered as a mark of respect. “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 announced, the Royal Family would observe a minute’s silence and wear black armbands. This was a clear signal that, even on a day of national celebration, the Royal Family stands with those who mourn.
The changes saw the King, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh—all in military uniform—wearing black armbands, as did coachmen, coachwomen, and mounted officers from the Royal Mews. Those family members attending in civilian clothes did not wear armbands, in keeping with tradition. Union flags at all royal residences and government buildings were also flown at half-mast, symbolizing the nation’s grief.
The Ceremony and Its Symbolism
Trooping the Colour is one of the most iconic events in the British royal calendar, with roots stretching back to the 17th century. This year, the parade featured the Coldstream Guards, who displayed their regimental colors to mark their 375th anniversary. The event showcased the precision and discipline of the British military, with over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians taking part.
After the King inspected the troops at Horse Guards Parade, the minute’s silence was observed. The moment was signaled by the traditional sounding of the Last Post and Reveille. The solemnity of the occasion was felt by all in attendance, both in person and watching from home. The Royal Family then gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the traditional flypast by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows, a moment that mixed both celebration and reflection.
This year’s Trooping the Colour was notable for the King’s continued participation despite ongoing cancer treatment. As in 2024, he traveled in a carriage rather than on horseback, a decision made for health reasons but not detracting from his presence or the significance of the event.
A Tradition of Compassion
The inclusion of a minute’s silence in the Trooping the Colour parade is not unprecedented. In 2017, Queen Elizabeth II requested a similar tribute following the Grenfell Tower fire, showing that the Royal Family is quick to respond to national and international tragedies with dignity and empathy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing their shock and sympathy for all affected by the Air India crash, emphasizing solidarity with the families and communities across many nations. The King specifically praised the heroic efforts of emergency services and all those providing support during the tragedy.
The decision to alter the parade at short notice demonstrates the flexibility and humanity of the Royal Family, ensuring that even the most traditional ceremonies can reflect the mood and needs of the nation and the world.
Why Trooping the Colour 2025 Resonates
This year’s Trooping the Colour will be remembered not just for its pageantry but for its compassion. The King pays tribute to Air India victims at Trooping the Colour by making meaningful changes to a centuries-old tradition, sending a powerful message of unity and respect. The sight of black armbands and the quiet moment of reflection underscored the shared sorrow felt by people across the globe.
As the Royal Family stood on the balcony, watching the Red Arrows soar overhead, the event became a symbol of both resilience and remembrance. The parade, while rooted in military history, also serves as a reminder of the monarchy’s role in bringing people together in times of celebration and sorrow.
Join the Conversation
Trooping the Colour 2025 was a powerful blend of tradition and modernity, honoring both the King’s birthday and the memory of those lost in the Air India tragedy. If you were moved by this year’s ceremony or want to learn more about royal traditions, share your thoughts and memories online.