More than 150 RAF personnel took part in the ceremony that was part of the State Opening of Parliament today, 17th July 2024.
This included The Central Band of the RAF, led by their Drum Major, Flight Sergeant Scott and conducted by their Director of Music, Flight Lieutenant Parsons.
The State Opening of Parliament is one of the most colourful events in the London Ceremonial calendar. The Armed Forces line the streets, perform music and fanfares, and escort His Majesty The King’s carriage procession from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords to mark the formal start of the next parliamentary session.
The primary purpose of this 500-year-old tradition is to mark the start of the parliamentary year. His Majesty The King delivers a speech from the Throne in the House of Lords’ Chamber; known as ‘The King's Speech,’ which is written by the government and sets out their agenda.
The Royal Air Force marching contingents were found from the King’s Colour Squadron (RAF Northolt) and No 1 School of Technical Training (RAF Cosford).
“It’s a great honour for the King’s Colour Squadron to be leading the RAF contingent for the State Opening of Parliament, a ceremony that has been going on for hundreds of years."
Squadron Leader Bull
Officer Commanding, King's Colour Squadron
Squadron Leader Bull said, "We’re doing this ahead of going to Exercise Eagle's Claw on Sunday as pre-deployment training, exemplifying our dual role nature. The opportunity to conduct both ceremonial and dismounted close combat activity is a real highlight of the Squadron, and we’re very proud to conduct both to the same meticulous standards.
The King’s Colour Squadron is unique in that we are the only dual role Squadron in the RAF – we conduct all state ceremonial activity on behalf of the RAF (for example Changing of the Guard, Remembrance and the State Opening of Parliament), as well as having a distinct operational role with 10% of our workforce deployed on Operations at any point.”
The State Opening of Parliament is an important opportunity for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to support the Sovereign and Constitutional process while demonstrating the professionalism of the UK Armed Forces.
