The other day Janna needed a break from studying, so we took a walk up the royal mile to the castle. As luck would have it, we stumbled into a free ceremony to install a new Governor to Edinburgh castle.
As things do in this country the ceremony started out with a great bagpipe band.
But what was really neat to watch was the ceremonial part of the installation. It is all completely unnecessary, but the ritual tradition has been maintained. After the band played for awhile, a group of soldiers marched into the arena. The leader of the soldiers stood at the end of the line shouting orders while the troops shuffled back and forth to get properly aligned. Shortly after, the new governor came in and inspected the troops. When he was satisfied the installation began. He requested her Majesty’s officer read aloud the Queens commission appointing him governor of the castle. When read, the governor ordered the gates to be opened and the castle key to be brought to him. The castle garrison commander then shouted from the castle wall and demanded proof of the commission. At this point her Majesty’s officer took the commission to the castle gate and knocked three times. When the summons was verified the key was brought out. After a quick speech and some more music, everyone marched into the castle.
1 comment:
Wow, that sounds like an interesting experience. I wonder if the Viking Vixens could somehow get involved in one of those ceremonies!!
Aunt Irene
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