Marines charity concert – Prince Harry’s first engagement as Captain General

Prince Harry undertook his first official engagement as Captain General of the Royal Marines last night, attending the Mountbatten Festival of Music.

The Massed Bands of the Royal Marines took centre stage for the festival at the Royal Albert Hall, which is produced, directed and performed by military musicians.

prince harry arrives at the royal albert hall royal marines live stream)

prince harry attended the royal marines mountbatten festival of music last night, in his role as their captain general kensington palace)

It aims to raise funds and awareness of The Royal Marines Charity; the organisation helps all marines, whether still serving or veteran, and offers a variety of services, such as financial assistance to advice on finding a second career after the forces.

Harry took over as Captain General from The Duke of Edinburgh in December 2017, and Saturday night saw him brush off his black bow tie for the musical evening.

Prior to the show, the Royal – who spent 10 years in the army and served one full and one part-tour of Afghanistan – met with those who were responsible for creating the show, inclduing the Principal Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Ridley.

prince harry meets with the director of music live stream)

He said ahead of the performance: “I am immensely proud to be performing alongside the outstanding men and women of the Royal Marines Band Service. They are, in my opinion, the best military musicians in the world and I believe the thousands of people who have enjoyed the Mountbatten Festival of Music, both here at the Royal Albert Hall and via our live stream, will agree.

“As their Principal Director of Music. it falls to me to lead an organisation with a world-class reputation and I truly believe that the Mountbatten Festival of Music, now in its 46th year, has surpassed all expectations.

Prince Harry arrived in the royal box to a standing ovation, as guests appreciated his attendance, and probably sent their best wishes for his forthcoming wedding in May.

prince harry – captain general of the royal marines – attended their concert last night live stream)

prince harry enjoys the concert kensington palace)

The National Anthem was sung and then the music commenced. You can rewatch the event here.