The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, will celebrate his 93rd birthday with the largest ever pageant of military music and precision drill.The Royal Marine Beating Retreat will take place on the 3-4 June at London’s Horse Guards Parade.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPerformed every two years, the world-renowned Royal event has been running for five centuries.
This year however will also celebrate 350 years of the Royal Marines, making this an extraordinary commemoration.
The Event Director Lt Col Trevor Sawyer RM said: "Our finest and most versatile military musicians will be on show at this year’s Beating Retreat", before adding, "We’re hoping to play to a sell-out crowd so have been rehearsing since before Christmas. "Lt Col Sawyer went on to reveal what can be expected across the weekend, saying: "The programme contains ceremonial pieces as well as traditional marches and overtures".
© Photo: Getty ImagesCaptain General of the Royal Marines, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Set in one of London’s most visually stunning settings, the Beating Retreat is known for being an extravaganza which demonstrates the skills of the Royal Marines.After a recent bout of ill health, Prince Phillip, who is Britain's longest serving royal consort, appeared in good spirits as he and the Queen recently paid a visit to the Royal Commonwealth Society, with Prince Edward joining his parents.Despite their presence at the Society, Prince Philip and the Queen have been passing on more duties to Prince Charles and younger members of the Royal Family for some weeks now.Reports have surfaced that the Queen, who turns 88 in April, and Prince Philip are on a "gradual downward trajectory" in the number of royal engagements they will carry out, according to The Telegraph, as the Queen’s appearance at celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June will be her final engagement overseas. "We have been told this will probably be the Queen's last official foreign visit," a French government official told the Daily Express.
