King Charles

King Charles continues with tradition as Pipe Major plays for first time at Clarence House

The King's Pipe Major has played for the first time at Clarence House as His Majesty woke up in residence.

In a post on Twitter, the Royal Family shared a video of the Pipe Major playing the bagpipes as he marched in the garden of the Royal residence.

His Majesty's Pipe Major Paul Burns holds one of the highest positions available to a military piper – and is the only non-Royal allowed to wear Balmoral tartan.

Pipe Major Burns, who woke Queen Elizabeth II on her last morning at Balmoral, also played the lament Sleep, Dearie, Sleep to mark Queen Elizabeth II's coffin leaving Westminster Abbey at the end of her state funeral.

The Twitter video shows that King Charles has decided to continue the tradition, with the position created by Queen Victoria in 1843 – 179 years ago.

Watch: The King meets Afghan interpreters in Scotland.

The tweet also said Queen Elizabeth "enjoyed the special tradition following her accession to the throne in 1952".

Split into two, the piper's daily performance consists of two seven-minute sessions with a minute in between.

However, it is not just the musical alarm the piper is responsible for – the Pipe Major often meets and greets people before they meet the monarch.

A member of the Royal Household, the piper has living quarters at Buckingham Palace and travels to wherever the monarch is based.

Join Our Newsletter

WatchUsOn

Army v RAF LIVE! | Inter Services women’s rugby league 2023

Red Arrows arrive in Malta in STYLE with thrilling loop

British Army versus Nato war games on Russia's doorstep