Ceremonial and Tradition

None of us cannot but have been impressed by the pomp and ceremony at the funeral of the late Duke of Edinburgh yesterday. Despite the restrictions, the military presence at Windsor Castle was spectacular and highlighted the strong connection the Duke had with the Armed Forces. We are all aware of his naval career but his connection to the Army was very evident at yesterday's service.

Of course, tradition and ceremonial play an important part within army life. From Remembrance parades, laying up of Colours, freedom of a Borough, or Regimental weekends at a more local level to Changing of the Guard and Trooping of the Colour at a more national level, the more ceremonial role of a soldier may be slightly different but plays an important part of any military career. Planning, practice, practice and more practice is the order of the day to get the precision and accuracy of any ceremony. I cannot imagine how much practice went into yesterday's funeral to get everything exactly right.

Many veterans, even though they have left the Army, still continue with those traditions and ceremonies. Donned in blazer and beret with their medals polished, veterans are evident in Remembrance Parades and local commemorations. Last year a small group of local veterans, with their Association standard, paid their respects at the VJ (Victory over Japan) day commemorations at the Castle. It was important to the Museum that there was a direct connection to the military for the event.

Annually, a Regimental weekend is held in Carlisle for the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, King's Own Royal Border Regiment and Border Regiment veterans but sadly this has once again been postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. The Regimental weekend showcases the military connection with the area as veterans donned in blazer, beret and be-splendent with medals proudly march to the Cathedral behind the Regimental band. They return for a military inspection on the Castle's parade ground still adhering to the military commands despite many of them having left the Army many years beforehand. But for them, the tradition remains. Their connection to their military past remains. It is still important. 

For Prince Philip, his military connection was important too. And that was very evident in yesterday's service. It certainly was an impressive ceremonial end to his long association with the Armed Forces. Those on parade at Windsor Castle did a fantastic job.