King 'profoundly shocked' by Devon Royal 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