Shropshire Star

Special pre-Tattoo performance for royal pair

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge are attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

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The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge watching a performance ahead of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have been given a special pre-Tattoo performance at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

It comes ahead of their attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Wednesday evening.

Acts gave the royal duo a close-up performance in the courtyard.

The Prince and Duke then spent time speaking with performers and posed for a group shot.

William wore black-tie with Submariner Dolphins and Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals.

The Prince wore a grey suit, pink shirt with a tie and brown shoes.

Charles, the guest of honour at the annual event, will be accompanied by his son William at Edinburgh Castle.

It will be the first time they have attended the annual event in Scotland’s capital, which is currently in its 68th season.

This year’s Tattoo recognises 2017 as being the Year of the Royal Navy and comes ahead of the forthcoming official naming of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales later this year.

It is also marking Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology with a second “Splash of Tartan” theme.

The Duke of Cambridge at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Duke of Cambridge at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA)

Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, and William, who takes the title the Earl of Strathearn when north of the border, are attending the Tattoo around halfway through its August run.

This year’s performance involves a cast of more than 1,200 people from across the globe.

The line-up includes more than 250 pipers and drummers, five UK military bands and the event’s first Japanese act – as well as major contingents from France, India and the United States.

The first Edinburgh Tattoo took place in 1950, with the first overseas regiment taking part in 1952.

Since then, 48 countries from across six continents have been represented at the Tattoo.

It attracts an annual audience of around 220,000, meaning that more than 14 million people have attended the Tattoo since it began.

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