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King Charles’ First Trooping the Colour Marked by Solemn Tribute
London — King Charles III presided over his first Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, a historic event tinged with sorrow. The King and other royals wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of Thursday’s Air India plane crash, which claimed the lives of 270 people. Buckingham Palace stated the gesture was a mark of respect for the victims, their families, and the affected communities.
The Trooping the Colour, a vibrant display of military tradition, saw the King review his troops on Horse Guards Parade. The ceremony, dating back centuries, involves the display of battalion flags, or colours, for soldiers’ recognition.
King Charles, in a scarlet military uniform, rode in a horse-drawn carriage with Queen Camilla. They were followed by Prince William and other royal family members on horseback, and then Kate, the Princess of Wales, with her children in a separate carriage.
Following the moment of silence for the air disaster victims, 1,338 soldiers, including 244 musicians, paraded before the King. The royal family then appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to greet the crowds and watch a military flyover, culminating in a performance by the Red Arrows, whose signature smoke trails were powered by sustainable aviation fuel for the first time.
King Honors Beckham, Oldman, and Others
Prior to the Trooping the Colour, King Charles bestowed honors upon several notable figures. David Beckham, Gary Oldman, and Roger Daltrey received knighthoods, while Elaine Paige, Pat Barker, and Penny Mordaunt were awarded damehoods. These honors recognize significant contributions to British life.
Beckham, honored for his services to sport and charity work with UNICEF, expressed his humility at receiving the award. Daltrey, recognized for his contributions to music and charity, particularly his work with the Teenage Cancer Trust, echoed similar sentiments. Paige expressed her pride, gratitude, and surprise at the honor.