King Charles wears Royal Marines uniform for the first time while attending Mountbatten Festival of Music
King Charles has worn his Royal Marines uniform for the first time as Captain General while attending the Mountbatten Festival of Music.
His Majesty was dressed in the Corps' distinct red officer's mess dress for the annual showpiece at the Royal Albert Hall.
The world-famous Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines played a special opening fanfare, dedicated to King Charles, called 'The King, Our Captain General'.
The title of the music refers to the Royal Marines' loyal toast when King George VI held the title of Captain General - the last monarch to serve in the role.
Warrant Officer First Class Ivan Hutchinson, who composed the special piece of music, said it was a "real privilege" to compose.
"To hear it performed by the massed bands in the Royal Albert Hall, in the presence of The King himself was an unforgettable experience," he said.
The night also celebrated the bond between the UK and the Netherlands on the 50th anniversary of The UK and Netherlands Amphibious Force.
A piece named 'Qua Patet Orbis', which translates to As Far as the World Extends and is the motto of the Dutch Marines, was played, with the evening also including the Regimental March of the Dutch Marines.
The Netherland Marine Corps Band’s Pipes and Drums played alongside their fellow Royal Marines musicians as head of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Commandant of the Netherlands Marine Corps attended as guests in the Royal Box.
Other members of the Dutch Navy and Marines were also present throughout the performances.
A piece of music called 'The Forgotten War', composed by Band Sergeant Craig Sanders, was also played to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement following the bloody Korean War.
Over 20,000 sailors and Royal Marines served in the Korean War, suffering 182 casualties.
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