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City & Village Tours: 0208 692 1133
All this is fine, until in June 1979 President Arap Moi
of Kenya visited. Walking down the room with the
Queen he stopped to admire the paintings. Horror!!
This would put the music completely out and we’d
stop playing before they reached their seats. After
a few moments the party carried on - and he stopped
again to speak to somebody. Even worse. What to do?
Nothing written down about this. So we carried on
playing the National Anthem for a second time and
then a third time!, and then much to everyone’s
surprise President Moi then started to walk very
quickly to his seat - almost overtaking the Queen.
She had to slow everyone down so that they reached
the seats as we finished - this time for the third time
of playing. The incident was never mentioned but
we were sure the Queen gave a small smile and nod
towards the musicians balcony when she sat down
And the so the banquet begins. The orchestra plays -
but now very quietly so guests can talk. This is not
easy and in the musicians balcony there are two lights
right by the Director of Music, who is conducting.
Green means the level is OK. If the light changes
to red it means the Queen has indicated that the music
is too loud. And if the telephone on the floor flashes -
heaven help us. It means the Queen is not happy!
Although I don’t think the Queen actually picks up
a telephone at her end to tell the Director .
So on your visit, give me a thought as you walk
into the Ballroom and glance up at the Balcony.
Pictures
Right:
Martin (front right holding the bottle) celebrates
with the band in the Undercroft of the Guildhall after
a State Banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City
of London. Of this picture Martin says:
On the first evening of a state visit the banquet is
in Buckingham Palace and on the second night it
is at Guildhall where the Lord Mayor entertains.
The Queen has a night off. This was taken after
we'd finished playing I should point out.
Below:
Every Mother’s Joy - isn’t he lovely!
Martin the Scots Guardsman aged 19 wearing
glasses that are back in fashion all these years later.
Visit Buckingham Palace in 2015
The State Apartments are open daily
from 1 August to 27 September 2015.
The special exhibition at the Palace this year
is
A Royal Welcome
. From the food prepared
in the kitchens to the linens and porcelain
chosen, discover how one of the world’s few
remaining working palaces prepares to
receive guests for State Banquets and other
royal functions.
You can visit in the company of a man who
took part in the pomp and ceremony of many
State Banquets and other royal occasions as
leader of the orchestra during his service in
the Band of the Scots Guards. You’ll meet
Martin at 10.30am for time to buy morning
refreshments before enjoying a coach tour of
the London Martin knew during his service
for HM The Queen.
From the State Opening of Parliament to
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
and Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards
Parade to the welcoming and entertaining
of great and good invited on State Visits
to Britain, Martin will share with you the
fascinating inside story of the men and
women who bring the Pomp & Ceremony
of Royal London alive. It’s a fascinating tale,
often very funny but always told with respect
and a genuine fondness for HM The Queen
and for the panache and the pageantry of
Royal London.
For more details please see page 12
