Sailors saluted Prince Charles in the heart of Edinburgh as the three Services paraded through the Scottish capital to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Ship’s companies from Scottish-based submarines, vessels such as HMS Defender that are being built on the Clyde, plus sailors drawn from across the Senior Service including Portsmouth-based HMS Lancaster and Richmond, Commando Helicopter Force and HMS Heron, joined brethren from the RAF and Army, including the Scots Guards, as well as members of the Royal British Legion in the march, which concluded with saluting Prince Charles.
They were in the capital both to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year and for members of the public to show their appreciation for the Armed Forces.
The Royal Navy’s most senior officer in Scotland, Rear Admiral Chris Hockley, Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland (FOSNNI) was among the dignitaries at the parade yesterday.
“Members of the Royal Navy have been proud and delighted to lead the parade today in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,” said Lieutenant Eleanor Hollingworth, the Rear Admiral’s Flag Lieutenant.
“It is a day of celebration and we are honoured to have been part of this once-in-a-lifetime event – it is an occasion which we will all remember.”
The parade stepped off from Edinburgh’s historic castle at noon and marched down the Royal Mile.
Prince Charles, accompanied by his wife – the Royal couple are known as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay north of the border – took the salute in the Abbey Strand after the parade had passed the Scottish parliament and other famous civic buildings.
The servicemen entered the forecourt of the Palace of Holyrood House, where Prince Charles made an inspection.
Lt Hollingworth said:
“It has been fitting to mark this historic event at the heart of Scotland’s ancient capital city and it’s a great honour that we have been received by His Royal Highness alongside our colleagues from the Army and the Royal Air Force.”
Hundreds of members of the public watched the pageantry as the parade progressed along the Royal Mile and at the palace gates.
Music was provided by the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
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Naval Today Staff , May 11, 2012; Image: Royal Navy