Photo: AFP

London, June 14 – The British Royal Family has announced that they will wear black bands during King Charles III's official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, to show respect for the people who died in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.

This thoughtful gesture comes after the heartbreaking crash of an Air India Boeing 787, which was heading to London Gatwick from Ahmedabad. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing 241 people on board and at least 33 on the ground. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens. Only one person, a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived with minor injuries.

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A statement from Buckingham Palace said:

“His Majesty The King is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. As a mark of respect, members of the Royal Family will wear black armbands during the King’s official birthday celebrations.”

The decision to wear black bands during such a major public event is rare and shows the deep sorrow felt by the Royal Family. It also reflects the close relationship between the UK and India.

The Trooping the Colour parade is a historic and grand event held every year in London to celebrate the monarch’s official birthday. This year, the event will carry a more somber tone as thousands of people gather to watch, and millions tune in on television.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also expressed his condolences and said that the government is working closely with Indian officials to support the families of all the victims. Emergency teams from both countries are still investigating the cause of the crash.

The tragedy has left both nations in grief, with many families in the UK and India mourning the loss of their loved ones.