Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, visited Edinburgh on Wednesday morning to attend rehearsals for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks.
During her visit, she met military personnel and international performers preparing for the annual event. Princess Anne was seen wearing a tartan skirt with a cream jacket and carrying a bouquet of flowers she had received as a gift.
She has served as patron of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo since 2006. According to the event’s organizers, she regularly visits rehearsals at Redford Barracks to meet performers and the teams working behind the scenes to bring the famous event to life.
During the visit, she spoke with members of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Royal Air Force, and several other participating groups. She also watched the rehearsal after spending time with the performers and military personnel.
Often described as the hardest-working member of the royal family, Princess Anne’s visit to Edinburgh came after a busy schedule. She attended the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow the previous week.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and features performances by the British Armed Forces, military bands from the Commonwealth and other countries, as well as artistic groups.
The event is part of the annual Edinburgh Festivals, held each August, and attracts visitors from around the world to Scotland’s capital.
This year’s Tattoo is themed “A Call to Gather” and will run from August 7 to 29.
The organizers said this year’s production will introduce new ideas while preserving the traditions audiences have come to expect. According to the Tattoo’s website, the show will celebrate Scottish identity by bringing together clans, nations, allies, friends, and kindred spirits.
The organizers also said the production will push the event in new directions while continuing to feature audience favorites, including the Massed Pipes and Drums, Highland Dancers, and an international cast of performers.
The performances will take place on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with the show opening Friday evening.
