The Duke of Edinburgh is set to take the salute at Sounding Retreat on the second day of the Horse Guards Parade, which takes place in London on 2 June.
The two-day retreat will be marked with the return of The Rifles- the largest Infantry regiment within the British Army – for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Prince Philip, who is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, will be joined by the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra to watch 300 members of the Massed Bands and Bugles perform alongside 200 other servicemen and women from around the world.
Speaking ahead of the event, Regimental Secretary Lieutenant Colonel John Poole-Warren said: ‘”We’re expecting over ten thousand people of all ages to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will also feature The Band & Pipes and Drums of the Gurkhas, The Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry from Canada, the Rifles Fijian Choir, The Quirinus Band from Germany, The Army Cadet Force Bands from Durham and Somerset and the Military Wives Choir.’”
The Rifles is the fastest marching band in the world, which adds an extra flavour to the occasion. A 90-minute performance will include a stirring range of military music and will be joined by Tom Chaplin who will perform his new single ‘The Wave’. Buglers will also play from the rooftops of buildings surrounding the parade before a firework display wraps up the day.
The parade will raise money for the Regiment’s Care For Casualties appeal to assist riflemen and veterans of the Rifles Regimental family who are in need.
On 26 May, the Duke of Edinburgh received the salute during the ceremony of the Beating Retreat, performed by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines at Horse Guards.
The event takes place at 20:00. Tickets for the two days are available for purchase here.
