On the final night of the Sword and the Crown, a Military Musical Spectacular the Army in London provided a stunning displaying of music and drill for HRH The Princess Royal.
As the sun turned a honey gold, HRH The Princess Royal, stepped down from her carriage onto the parade square at Horse Guards. Escorted along the Mall by 15 horses, officers’ and soldiers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the picture was timeless as the light reflected off the cuirasses and helmets, the sound of horses, metal and leather punctuating the crowds who had gathered to watch the spectacle.
A balmy summer’s evening provided the perfect setting for The Sword and The Crown, a military musical spectacular. As the Massed bands of the Household Division were joined by the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish Regiment and the Combined University Officer Training Corps, the bands of the Royal Yeomanry, and the Honourable Artillery Company the mix of contemporary and traditional tunes filled the air.
The eclectic mix of music and images on the massive screen took us around the United Kingdom and out to Africa before a flight of fantasy with the well known icon of our time, 007 James Bond.
The Sword and the Crown, A Military Musical Spectacular
Performed on the historic Horse Guards Parade, The Sword and The Crown marks the return of the Household Division to public ceremonial duties and the first public performance for the musicians since June 2019.
Adding operatic gravitas to the evening was Rodney Earl Clarke, fresh from the barricades of Les Misérables and known for his performance of the National Anthem at the Six Nations Rugby tournament.
The Programme took us on a trip around Global Britain and beyond to Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. It then paid tribute to The Royal British Legion, recognised the work in support of conservation in Zambia, the legacy of Kneller Hall and the thrilling Massed Bands own arrangement of James Bond 007. The finale brought us back to Service, loyalty and the commitment made by those in our Forces. The bands then marched off to the sounds of their Regimental Marches and a rousing rendition of 'When The Guards Are On Parade'.