Duke of Edinburgh visits old school to present pipe band with royal banner

The Duke of Edinburgh has presented the pipe band at his old school with a royal banner in a “special moment” to mark their 70-year anniversary.

Edward visited Gordonstoun in Moray during a trip to the north east of Scotland on Tuesday.

The banner is emblazoned with the badge of the Duke of Edinburgh, and it will be carried by the boarding school’s student pipe major.

During his visit, the duke also took part in events to celebrate 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The award was instigated by his father, Philip, becoming a national scheme in 1956.

Like other members of the royal family, Edward attended Gordonstoun as a child and graduated in 1982.

Gordonstoun’s head, Simon Cane-Hardy, said: “The Gordonstoun pipe band is extremely proud of its association with the royal family, playing regularly at the annual Braemar Gatherings attended by HM the King and HM Queen Elizabeth II before him.

“In 2023, the band hit a real high note when the King awarded them the championship shield for the best pipe band.

“Just a few months earlier, they played a special role during the coronation celebrations in Scotland.

“As a former student, it’s heartening that the Duke of Edinburgh also has a keen interest in the pipe band.

“It was a special moment to mark the band’s recent 70th celebrations, and a testament to the band’s dedication, talent and hard work to be presented with their very own pipe banner by His Royal Highness.”

The idea for a royal banner came from the pipe band’s founder, who approached the Duke of Edinburgh about it.

Former Gordonstoun student, Graham Neil, 88, said: “I felt with the appointment of Prince Edward as the Duke of Edinburgh, and as a former student, he should be approached to suggest that the band would welcome carrying a pipe banner with his crest.”

The banner has been formally approved by the Court of the Lord Lyon, Scotland’s heraldic authority.