Platinum Jubilee Act of Loyalty Parade
The Platinum Jubilee Act of Loyalty Parade was a military parade held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland on 28 June 2022, organised as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.[1] Performed as a tribute to the Queen as Head of the British Armed Forces, on behalf of all three branches of the British Armed Forces, it featured all three services, with each of the single service Senior Representatives in Scotland present, together with Service Cadets.
The Act of Loyalty also marked the 200th anniversary of King George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822, known as the "King's Jaunt", which included General Sir Robert Abercromby, the then Governor of Edinburgh Castle, presenting the castle key to the Sovereign for the first time.[2]
The ceremony
The Armed Forces conducted a parade and Presentation of the Key for Edinburgh Castle in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. A Royal Salute took place as the Queen arrived in the gardens via the Equerry's Door. Lord Lyon King of Arms then presented three Senior Representatives from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in Scotland to the Queen. Three cadets, also representing each Service, then paraded the key to Edinburgh Castle across the gardens, which was received by Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, Governor of Edinburgh Castle.[3]
The Governor, assisted by three Service Cadets, then proceeded to the Equerry's Door and addressed the Queen:[4]
"We, the serving members of Your Majesty's Armed Forces, bound by our oath to You, your Heirs and Successors, offer for Your gracious acceptance the Key to Your Majesty's Royal Castle of Edinburgh".
The Queen responded:[4]
"I return this key to the safekeeping of My Governor of Edinburgh Castle, in gratitude for the symbolic Act of Loyalty of Our Armed Forces, confident of your faithful allegiance to your oath".
Three cheers for the Queen were then given by members of the Armed Forces before a pipe tune composed for the Platinum Jubilee called Diu Regnare was played, as she returned to the palace.[4]
On completion of the parade, the ceremonial troops dispersed and the Key to Edinburgh Castle was returned to lie in the Great Hall. A new marker was added to the Chain to the Key representing its formal presentation to the Sovereign.
Music
Musical support was provided by the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.[5]
References
- "Queen attends armed forces act of loyalty parade in Edinburgh". Sky News.
- "Queen appears at armed forces parade in Edinburgh". BBC News. 28 June 2022.
- Carey, Paul (June 28, 2022). "Queen Elizabeth II attends armed forces loyalty parade in Edinburgh". The National.
- "Queen greets members of the armed forces at parade in Edinburgh". The Independent. June 28, 2022.
- "Queen attends armed forces parade at Palace of Holyroodhouse". June 28, 2022.