King Charles has paid an emotional tribute to those affected by a fatal Royal Navy helicopter crash.
During a speech on Tuesday at Windsor Castle, he expressed “great sadness” over the incident.
Addressing Royal Marines, Guardsmen and their families gathered for the ceremonial occasion, the King said he was “deeply shocked” by the news of the crash, referring to his previous service with 845 Naval Air Squadron.
“As a former Junglie pilot with 845 Naval Squadron, I was deeply shocked to hear this most tragic news,” he said.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of those involved. I know this accident may have affected everyone here today.”
He added a note of solidarity while also acknowledging the international presence at the event: “It is heartening to see the representatives of some of our oldest allies and international partners present on this occasion.
I pray that these ties continue for years to come.”
The King then turned to the formal purpose of the ceremony, praising the Grenadier Guards as they were presented with new colours, which he said carried “45 battle honors from Tangier to the Gulf”, described as a “living testament to the regiment’s courage, resilience and enduring spirit” across generations.
“Those of you present at the parade today are the proud custodians of this legacy,” he told the assembled troops.
Reflecting on the regiment’s recent service, Charles noted their continued operational role since the last colors were presented 16 years ago, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as support during the Covid-19 pandemic and training assistance to Ukraine’s armed forces.
He said the modern world presented “new and evolving challenges, complex in nature and often unpredictable in form”, but expressed full confidence in the regiment’s continued strength.
“Nevertheless, I have every confidence that the adaptability, professionalism and steadfast determination for which the Grenadier Guards are known will ensure that you remain as effective and indispensable in meeting these requirements as you have been at all times before,” he said.
After concluding his speech, the King formally entrusted the new colors to the care of the regiment.
“So I entrust these new colors to your care with full confidence that you will continue to uphold the finest traditions of the Grenadier Guard with steadfast determination, with distinction and with the indomitable spirit which has carried you through 370 years and will, I know, carry you for many more to come.”
