On Sunday 25 August, Balmoral Castle was the setting for a momentous occasion as 86 members of the Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums gathered for the prestigious ‘Beating of the Retreat’ ceremony and the presentation of the Sovereign’s Banner.
This significant event was held in the presence of His Majesty The King and members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Sovereign's Banner, a symbol of great honour, is traditionally carried by the Senior RAF Piper Major during ceremonial duties for the RAF.
The event marked a historic first for the RAF Pipes and Drums, as the presentation of the Sovereign’s Pipe Banner was officially entered into the register of all Arms and Bearings in Scotland—a privilege generously granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Dr. Joseph J. Morrow. This was accomplished with the invaluable support of Philip Tibbetts Esp, March Pursuivant Extraordinary, who provided expertise in the design and heraldry of the Banner.
“It was a privilege to be at Balmoral Castle to see the new Sovereign’s Pipe Banner being presented to HM The King in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Chief of the Air Staff. My thanks go to the Lord Lyon and his team for their generosity in supporting this, the Factor and Royal Household for their work, and my staff for bringing it together.
“This was a magnificent event and as a bonus has come in the final year of Pipe Major Hughes' tenure as the Senior RAF Pipe Major. We wish him well as he retires after joining the RAF in 1969 and the Civil Service in 1998 – having started piping in Germany in 1976, this has seen 48 years of outstanding service to RAF Pipes and Drums.”
Air Commodore Bill Gibson
Air Officer Scotland
The day began with the approval of the new Sovereign’s Pipe Banner by His Majesty The King. The combined Pipes and Drums, representing units from RAF Central Scotland, RAF Halton, RAF Cosford, RAF Waddington, RAF Lossiemouth, and 502 Squadron RAuxAF, Northern Ireland, marched on to perform a carefully selected repertoire of music for His Majesty, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and other distinguished guests.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, and Air Officer Scotland, Air Commodore Bill Gibson, were present to witness this landmark event. As the music echoed through the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Pipe Major Hughes had the honour of escorting His Majesty to meet the Pipes and Drums, where The King personally congratulated numerous band members for their dedication and performance.
The day concluded with a formal presentation of the citation authorising the use of the Sovereign’s Pipe Banner. The citation was presented by the Lord Lyon to Air Chief Marshal Knighton, Air Commodore Gibson, and Pipe Major Hughes, marking the culmination of an extraordinary event that will be remembered as a highlight in the history of the RAF Pipes and Drums.
The event showcased not only the exceptional skill and dedication of the RAF Pipes and Drums but also the deep respect and tradition that continue to define the relationship between the RAF and the Royal Family. As the echoes of the pipes and drums faded, those present at Balmoral Castle were left with a lasting memory of a day steeped in history, honour, and pageantry.
