On Thursday 29th June 2023, members of King’s Colour Squadron (KCS) and RAF Music Services were honoured by His Majesty The King at a private investiture event at Buckingham Palace.
The KCS Bearer Party, who flew with Her Late Majesty from Edinburgh Airport to RAF Northolt, were honoured by His Majesty The King with the individual presentation of The Royal Victorian Order. In addition, the Principal Director of Music (RAF) Wing Commander Piers Morrell OBE and Senior Drum Major Warrant Officer Paul Phelan, were also appointed Members of the Royal Victorian Order for their contribution to the ceremonial aspect of the funeral for Her Late Majesty The Queen.
The KCS Bearer Party comprising:
Flt Lt James Hudson
Warrant Officer Del Martin
LCpls Blank, Grant and Bird
Gunners Anderson, Anstee-Pinnock, Lloyd, Newman, McKay, Morris and Stratford
These personnel were all honoured, with 2 of the bearer party flying in from operational tours to ensure the party were honoured together.
"Today has brought back a lot of memories, not only for the lads, but also their families, who are here today in a supporting role. We are deeply honoured to have played our part as Kings Colour Squadron, in such an important global event. Despite the deep sadness we all felt in the days leading up to the repatriation, our professional training kicked in and I am proud to say the team delivered on the day. This award means the world to the lads and we are all humbled by today’s events."
Flt Lt James Hudson
Officer in Charge of the Bearer Party
“RAF Music Services had completed annual training cycles to prepare for Op London Bridge so once activated everyone knew what was expected of them. All of the three regular bands and musicians from the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force were combined to create the required procession and street lining bands to support the RAF’s delivery of Her Late Majesty’s funeral. It was a huge honour for all involved and a privilege to provide this final ceremonial service to Her Late Majesty, and this first ceremonial service to His Majesty the King. I am extremely honoured to have been awarded the MVO at the Palace today with the Senior Drum Major WO Paul Phelan by His Majesty the King.”
Wg Cdr Piers Morrell
Principal Director of Music (RAF)
After the Investiture events at Buckingham Palace, the recipients walked across Green Park to the RAF Club where they were greeted by Air Marshal Sir David Walker, the RAF Club President and also a Master of the Household and former Equerry to The Late Queen. He thanked all the recipients adding his own personal thoughts on the remarkable part each individual played during the Late Queens Repatriation and State Funeral. After a small drink’s reception at the Club, the recipients then travelled back to RAF Northolt.
