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Key Points

The British royal family will wear black armbands in memory of the Ahmedabad plane crash victims during King Charles’s birthday parade. The King expressed deep shock and sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy. Emergency services and global leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer, have responded with condolences and support. International agencies are assisting India in investigating the crash that killed 241 people.

Key Points: British Royals to Wear Black Bands for Ahmedabad Crash Victims

  • Royals to observe silence at Trooping the Colour
  • King Charles modifies birthday parade as tribute
  • 241 dead in Ahmedabad Air India crash
  • UK and US agencies assist in investigation
2 min read

British royal family to wear black bands in memory of Ahmedabad plane crash victims

King Charles leads royal tribute with black armbands and silence at Trooping the Colour for Air India crash victims in Ahmedabad.

"Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident. – King Charles"

London, June 14

The British royal family will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence during the annual Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday as a mark of respect for victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, India.

At least 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were travelling in the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, which crashed on Thursday afternoon soon after take-off from the Ahmedabad airport. This tragic accident claimed the lives of at least 241 people.

The annual parade marks King Charles's birthday with over 1,350 troops involved. According to a palace spokesperson, the King wanted changes in his birthday parade "as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy."

Earlier on Thursday, in a statement issued, King Charles expressed shock over the tragic plane crash.

"My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. 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. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time," read the statement issued.

The impact triggered a massive blaze, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the city. Emergency services, including fire brigades and National Disaster Response Force teams, rushed to the site of the crash.

Several global leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed shock and grief after the Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, triggering a massive emergency response.

"Today is a truly heartbreaking day for many British and Indian families up and down the country. I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by the horrific plane crash," Starmer posted on X following the accident.

Additionally, the United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the United States' Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) have offered assistance in the investigation that is being carried out by the Indian authorities following the crash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This gesture by the British royals shows true humanity beyond borders. So many families are grieving today - both in India and UK. The minute of silence will mean a lot to those who lost loved ones. 🙏
R
Rahul S.
While the royal gesture is appreciated, we must focus on why this happened. Was it maintenance issue? Pilot error? Our aviation safety standards need thorough review. Too many lives lost.
A
Ananya M.
Heartbreaking news. My cousin's friend was on that flight...just 28 years old. The emergency responders are real heroes - working nonstop in that horrible scene. May all souls rest in peace. 💔
V
Vikram J.
Good to see international cooperation in the investigation. But hope our authorities don't just blame foreign agencies later. We need to take responsibility for safety in our airports too.
S
Sunita P.
The King's words were very touching. In times of tragedy, such gestures show that humanity comes first. My prayers for all affected families - no parent should have to bury their child like this.
K
Karan D.
Saw the smoke from my office in Ahmedabad...still can't believe it. The NDRF teams worked through the night. Hope the investigation is transparent and leads to real safety improvements. Jai Hind.

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