Remembrance has been a momentous time of year in my family long before I was born, with ties to the military going back generations as far back as World War One. As one would imagine, I was incredibly excited to hear about the opportunity to be a part of the first cadet group to be represented at memorial services at The Cenotaph, lining the Sovereign’s Steps for the royal family and other notable VIPs who were attending the event.
Once the application form had been released to us, I began brainstorming my reasons as to why I should be chosen to represent the school, and I had thrown all ideas of completing my homework that night out of the window. I had to complete this before anything else and sure enough, that night, I sent my form to be reviewed by the staff in the CCF office. Then the wait began!
When I received the email confirming my place to represent the school came through, I felt an overwhelming feeling of excitement, as I came to the realisation that my peers and I were possibly going to see the King. At the time, we were given very few details and we weren’t sure if the King would pass us. However, we had no time to waste, and preparations began at once. These included ensuring our uniform was immaculate, and meetings on how to greet royalty were conducted immediately. As the Senior Cadet in the parade, there was some responsibility to ensure that we were going to be presented immaculately. Everything, down to the finest details, had to be checked; no loose threads, perfectly sewn patched, neatly ironed trousers and smocks, and of course, boots polished to the highest shine possible.
The day before Remembrance Sunday, it was early wake ups for all as we headed for Westminster to get our positions sorted and to do a run through in preparation for the big event, during which, the feeling set in for me and I truly realised what a huge opportunity this was. After sneaking a peak at No 10 Downing Street on our way out, it was a frantic journey of research and revision of the royal family to ensure names faces and titles were at the forefront of all of our minds so that we could identify each and every royal from a mile away.
Remembrance Sunday came with an even earlier wake up, however coffees weren’t required as the adrenaline had clearly taken effect as all eight of us were early to meet, keeping in line with army timings, and used the extra time we had to square away final loose tags. Arrival at St James’ Park was followed by a cautious and tedious walk to the Sovereign’s Steps, all costs, any scuff marks or scratches to our gleaming, precious boots. Taking up our positions on the steps was made all the more nerve racking as the Chiefs of Staff from the Navy, Air Force and Army watched on as we came to attention. The scene was now set.
The first of the Royal cars rolled into the courtyard, stopping perfectly by the red carpet. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester emerged from the car and greeted some of us with good mornings, and one of the many highlights of the day was when we were mistaken for serving soldiers by the standard of our uniform. Following on, the Duke and Duchess of Kent arrived two minutes after, engaging in conversations about which school we had come from. Anne, the Princess Royal, Prince William, and Princess Kate arrived in a beautiful burgundy Rolls Royce and Bentley respectively, stopping for brief chats with some of the other cadets further up the stairs before entering the Foreign Office. The final engine became audible and rounding the corner came a gleaming police motorbike escorting, in its wake, the King’s Rolls-Royce Phantom VI which glided to a halt a mere few metres away from where I was standing.
Out stepped King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, and with my senses on high alert I couldn’t help but notice the King’s well scented cologne. Once the King had arrived, his equerry was quick to inform on the King’s request that we would line the steps for his departure, which was not pre planned and of course came as a great honour. We were escorted to our places to watch the service of remembrance and took part in a period of deep reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by selfless individuals in times of conflict, never forgetting the horrors they had to face for our lives we live today.
Shaking with a concoction of nerves and ecstatic excitement the steps were lined once more as we overheard the national anthem played before the expected departure of the Royal Family. The exit was more exciting as even more conversations were started, most notably His Royal Highness speaking to two of the cadets in the detail about where we had come from and how he was very pleased with our efforts. Unexpectedly, a stream of all the living current and past PMs of the country proceeded to walk out, adding to our already surreal experience.
Before heading back to Alleyn’s (with a slight detour to a certain drive through fast food restaurant) we watched the march past of veterans and family members to ex-servicemen and women; showing the sheer scale of people who have been affected by lost friends and family in conflict, and also the huge number of indescribably brave and selfless individuals who have served for our nation.
I am hugely thankful for this opportunity, as it has created memories which I will treasure and is an experience I will never forget. I would like to thank the 7 other cadets involved, and the two members of staff who attended, all of whom personified the school values and made the experience even more enjoyable.
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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