The Queen’s official Golden Jubilee celebrations were brought to a close on Tuesday with her attendance at the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo – the first time she has visited the musical spectacular as monarch.
With the Duke of Edinburgh at her side, Queen Elizabeth was greeted by Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell as she arrived at the sell-out show at Edinburgh Castle. The monarch – dressed in a lemon coat with black gloves, black shoes and matching handbag – smiled at the cheering crowds on the packed 8,600-seater Esplanade and was then saluted by 12 members of the Royal Company of Archers as she ascended the Esplanade steps. The royal couple were accompanied by Mr McConnell, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Eric Milligan, and civic dignitaries.
The Castle Governor Major General Robert Gordon then took the salute, signalling the end of the Jubilee celebrations, after which the crowd rose for the national anthem as the 1st Battalion of the Highlanders Regiment presented arms.
The show then kicked off with a Jubilee fanfare, followed by massed pipes and drums performed by the 260 pipers and drummers from the 13 regimental and Commonwealth bands. Featuring some 1,200 performers from the Commonwealth, America and Europe, the show was the largest in the Tattoo’s 53 year history. Hundreds of dancers from Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Canada took part with the support of 600 musicians.
Among the bands were the 120-strong United States Marine Battle Colour Detachment and the Marine Corps Albany Band. “We are very honoured by this magnanimous gesture,” said Tattoo organiser Brigadier Melville Jameson of the Marine bands. “It exemplifies the spirit and professionalism of the US Marines.”
The Tattoo was brought to a close with a lone piper’s rendition of the Skye Boat Song, a favourite of the late Queen Mother.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
