King Charles III insisted on some last minute amendments to the precision-planning of the annual Trooping the Colour programme, as a mark of respect to those who tragically lost their lives in the shocking Air India plane crash on 12 June.

His Majesty also requested that members of the Royal Family who participated in the popular parade on horseback and wearing military uniform, should wear black armbands, which included: Prince William – Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Princess Anne – Colonel Blues and Royals; and Prince Edward – Colonel of the Scots Guards.

The King was deeply affected when hearing of the Boeing 787 Dream-liner’s crash moments after taking off from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, destined for London Gatwick Airport. It claimed the lives of all but one incredibly lucky passenger out of the 242 passengers and crew and he immediately sent a message of support to everyone affected.

Similar amendments to the programme were made in 2017, following the terrible Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives and was marked by a minute’s silence, led by Queen Elizabeth II.

Much improved health situation for royal pair

Last year much of the focus was on the Princess of Wales who made her much anticipated return to the public limelight after her cancer diagnosis, for which thankfully she now is in remission.

The King of course is still receiving ongoing cancer treatment himself, but seems to be doing well despite having to spend a short period of time in hospital after experiencing some temporary side effects.

Plane crash very much on the country’s mind

However, this year the focus has shifted to the tragic event in India from which many are still reeling. Charles conducted his customary inspection of the parade before a minute’s silence – as also requested by His Majesty the King – was signalled by a lone bugler sounding the Last Post.

Regardless of the deep sorrow being felt and displayed, the annual ceremony continued in the manner that everyone has become accustomed to. It is of course full of military pomp and took place on Horse Guards Parade, with around 1,350 troops involved.

King arrives by carriage

The King travelled by carriage along the Mall past all the flags of the Commonwealth, just as he did last year, rather than on horseback, due to his continuing health issues.

For once the weather god’s were kind with the event taking place in glorious sunshine, which made the occasion even more of a spectacle. It is an internationally recognised part of British culture with visitors from dozens of nations attending to witness a show of great pageantry.

At the symbolic heart of the parade the military personnel demonstrated remarkable marching skills and the attention to detail was quite incredible to see.

Flypast as spectacular as always

As has become the norm – weather permitting – the Red Arrows Display Team gave a stunning climax to a magnificent flypast over Buckingham Palace, watched from the balcony by members of the Royal Family.

More than 350 year old ceremony

The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of King Charles II in the mid-seventeenth century.

It then was decided that the parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign and it subsequently became an annual event after George III became King in 1760.

The name “Trooping the Colour” is connected to the regimental flags of the British Army which were historically described as “colours” because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units.