It is not every day that you receive a phone call that is as exciting as the one that Martin and I received in May this year from the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Sir George Zambellas. An initial call just told us to put July 10 in our diaries and await further information. We knew something important was in the offing but had no idea what that might be.
It turned out that I was asked to be the official photographer and videographer for the visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Walmer Castle and RNLI Walmer and Martin was asked to compose and sing a song suitable for the day: no pressure there on either of us.
We were sworn to secrecy and held our tongue for months, awaiting the day with excitement.
Martin explains: “From the age of eight, when I started out as a chorister at Winchester Cathedral, I have been a singer, performing both as a soloist and in choirs for many events, some prestigious: but to be asked to sing a solo for the King was a signal honour. More than that, I was to write the song for the occasion. I pressed into service the tune from an early nineteenth-century ballad about Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar and came up with a first draft of words. To my surprise the Lord Warden felt that they were a bit too formal and asked for something a little more humorous. The second version was accepted and sent to the Palace for vetting: all was well. As you may see, I managed to work Rye into the text as I had heard that His Majesty remains keen to pay our town a visit.
“On the day I was, of course, nervous but years of training and performance stood me in good stead and all went off without a hitch. I was glad to receive a grin from the king as the song unfolded: what an experience and privilege it was for both of us to be part of the day and we shall never forget it.”
Come, worthies all from Walmer, brave citizens of Deal,
Let’s join in celebrating the pride that we feel
In a visit from our monarch, King Charles the Third by name:
Of our castles, pier, the Downs and town he must have heard the fame.
With choice of all the Cinque Ports he might have gone to – Rye,
Or any of the fourteen whose mayors would surely vie
For a chance to be right royal, roll out the carpet red:
Thank goodness fortune smiled on us and not on them instead.
Our many noted visitors shall never be forgot:
Invading Julius Caesar made straight for this spot.
From Australia Cook came back for a decent jug of ale
And what Nelson did with Emma here was quite beyond the pale.
In sight of Walmer Castle let everyone make cheer –
Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports have long been quartered here:
The Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill, ‘Queen Mum’, to name but few,
Yet today’s our crowning glory as we gladly welcome you.
It was a very special day for us both and it passed quickly. People asked afterwards was I nervous. Once I have my camera around my neck I lose all thoughts of being anxious and it is such a special task to capture the key moments of any royal visit. I was lucky enough to work many times with our late Queen, Elixabeth II, so it was wonderful to see her son, Charles, showing the same dedication to the rôle of being monarch. He took such interest in all those he met, often making them laugh and putting them at their ease.
I hope that the photos and video showcase what an amazing day it was. Working with the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is always a delight as he is such an engaging and thoughtful man.
George writes: “When planning for His Majesty’s visit to the Cinque Ports, we knew that it was very important to capture the many moments in which the King would engage with the fourteen Confederation mayors and the representatives of the good causes they had nominated. Kt Bruce is well-known for her ability to find and record those special moments, and we are all delighted with her skilled results.
“Martin Bruce wrote and performed a wonderful and witty song (ditty) for His Majesty’s visit to Walmer Castle, which the King much enjoyed during the planting of a tree. Thanks, Martin!”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Love the song – well done!