King 'profoundly shocked' by navy helicopter deaths

The King said he was "profoundly shocked" by the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel in a helicopter training crash.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, 42, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, died in the incident on Wednesday in Sourton, near Okehampton, Devon.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the crash, King Charles said he held the three service personnel "in the highest regard".

An investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

The King, who flew with the navy in the 1970s, spoke while he presented new colours to Royal Marines Commandos during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday.

He said: "I also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge with the greatest sadness the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter on Wednesday.

"As a former Junglie pilot 845 Naval Air Squadron, I was profoundly shocked to hear this most tragic news.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved.

"Their service is held in the highest regard and they remain very much in our prayers."

A minute's silence was held for Gayson, Green and Fisher ahead of the event.

The King, who has privately written to their families, said he knew the "devastating incident" would have affected everyone at the ceremony.

"However, it is most heartening to see the representatives of some of our oldest and closest international allies and partners present on this very special occasion," he added.

"I can only pray that these bonds of friendship, forged through shared ordeals based on shared ideas, continue in the years ahead."

Further tributes have been paid following the deaths of Gayson, Green and Fisher.

Colleague and friend Cdr Alex Kelley said the deaths of all three, who were based at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, would be felt by everyone who knew them and were a "devastating" loss to the navy, while Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the news was "utterly heartbreaking".

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Kelley said Gayson, Fisher and Green were "exceptionally professional and highly respected members" of the navy.

She said: "The loss of any of us is always felt by all of us.

"Their loss will be felt far and beyond their family and friends, commander helicopter force and everyone they knew - it's devastating."

Pollard said: "We don't know the cause, it's the loss of three bright young people doing something that keeps us all safe.

"To see the outpouring of the community for three incredibly brave people shows how impor