Royals take Beating Retreat salute on Horse Guards Parade

Both the Duke of Edinburgh and his daughter Princess Anne took the salute at ‘Beating Retreat’ a floodlit military spectacular at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, London this week (3-4 June).

The Duke on Wednesday (3 June) and Princess on the following night, saw over 400 soldiers and musicians perform popular melodies and famous military marches.

The Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry, the Massed Bands of the Foot Guards and Guns of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and special guests the Norwegian King’s Guard Band all performed at the event.

The term “beating the retreat” comes from the early days of organised warfare when the day’s fighting was ended and “beating ye retreate” was the signal to end the fighting, return to camp and post sentries for the night.

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