A minute’s silence was observed on Saturday to honour the victims of the Air India flight crash during the traditional military parade celebrating the British monarch’s official birthday in London.
This annual ceremony, held every June, publicly marks the King’s birthday, who will turn 77 on 14 November and will celebrate the occasion privately.
For the second consecutive year, King Charles III, who is still receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer, rode in a carriage along The Mall, the avenue near Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Queen Camilla, before receiving the troops’ salute.
The King appeared smiling and waved to the crowd gathered along The Mall, dressed in military attire, while Queen Camilla wore an elegant cream ensemble.
Following the King were his brother Prince Edward, his sister Princess Anne, and his son and heir to the throne, William. All three were on horseback and dressed in military uniforms.
Considered one of the highlights of the royal calendar, the event took an unexpected turn with the tribute to the victims of the Air India tragedy.
The crash of the plane on Thursday resulted in 279 fatalities, including 52 British citizens. Only one man, a British national, survived the crash.
In addition to the minute’s silence, members of the royal family, including King Charles, wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
