Tonight, The Duchess of Cambridge had an unannounced engagement. She stepped out to take a salute at the Beating Retreat Ceremony of Household division in London.
The Household Division’s Beating Retreat is a spectacular evening pageant filled with music and military precision drill, including horses, cannon and fireworks.
Military Beating Retreat concerts have a long tradition dating back to the 1690s. Originally the beating of the drum was used to order troops to break off fighting and withdraw to the safety of camp as darkness fell, later it signalled the closing of the camp gates at the end of the day and called troops back to base for the night.
Beating Retreat is an evening military concert with a marching display and usually marks the lowering of the Regimental flag at sunset.
Since its origin, it has evolved into a musical ceremonial event. These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards Parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park each year on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings preceding the Queen’s Birthday Parade – “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. It was the first time that The Duchess took part in the spectacular Musical military show.
It’s night TWO of the military music extravaganza and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge has arrived at Horse Guards to take the salute! @Householddiv #BeatingRetreat @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/zdea2xBRt7
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) June 6, 2019
A video of Duchess arriving at the Household Division.
Household Division performs many ceremonial duties in the UK that includes events such as The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), State Opening of Parliament, State Visit, the national act of remembrance at the Cenotaph and bespoke events of national importance. Public Duties include mounting the Queen’s Life Guards at Horse Guards, The Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and at Windsor Castle along with Guards of Honour and ceremonial Guards.
Massed Bands showcase the prowess of the @BritishArmy to the world @BandHCav @Pipes_and_Drums @WelshGuardsBand @SCOTSband @ScotsGuardsBand @IrishGuardsBand @ColdstreamBand @GrenGdsBand @KingsTroopRHA #bethebest https://t.co/mNFzskcF8G
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) June 6, 2019
The ceremony had 750 soldiers from the Household Division entertaining 13,000 spectators with military music, horsemanship, precision drill, pageantry and fireworks.
From People’s report,
This year’s show is themed around “Icons of a Nation” and captures the varied roles of the Household Division’s soldiers. The servicemen and women, famous for guarding royal palaces and residences, helping to mark the State Opening of Parliament and parading for the Queen’s Birthday, wore their ceremonial uniforms as they created the show of music and displays of precise marching formations. The music program included the theme music from The Longest Day, a film about the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944, while the finale included “The Earl of Mansfield,” “Theme from Henry V” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd/Amazing Grace.” The evening ended with the moving “Last Post” played.
As well as the bands of the Household Division, including the Household Cavalry and five Foot Guards regiments, Kate and the many spectators were entertained by The Band, Pipe and Drums of the Royal Guard of Oman; The Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment of Scotland; The Band of the Honourable Artillery Company; London Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums; National Cadet Force Pipes and Drums; The Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford; and The Royal Choral Society.
A video of the event by the Royal Family Channel.
For the event, Duchess chose a very familiar look. She was wearing a Catherine Walker coat that we first saw in September 2016 during Canada visit and then at the 2017 Easter Service.
Duchess paired the coat with her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs debuted at the christening of Prince Louis.
She was carrying Mulberry Amberley Nude Blush Leather Clutch debuted in 2018 during Imperial War Museum visit.
And once again chose her trusty Gianvito Rossi’s pumps.
Duchess topped her outfit with Irish Guards’ Cartier Shamrock Brooch.
Next, we will see Duchess on Saturday at Trooping the Colour Parade where Prince Louis is also expected to make her debut balcony appearance.
