Queen Elizabeth ‘personally intervened’ to save the British Army’s Highland Bagpipe School from George Osborne’s cuts
- Ex-chancellor said this was the only time the Queen ‘interfered directly in politics’
Queen Elizabeth ‘personally intervened’ to save Britain’s Highland Bagpipe school from George Osborne’s cuts, the former chancellor has claimed.
The ex-Tory minister said the late monarch’s action was the only time he could remember the Queen having ‘interfered directly in politics’.
He made the revelation during his podcast, telling co-host and former shadow chancellor Ed Balls that he had been approached by Her Majesty at a state dinner.
Quoting the late Queen, Osborne quoted her as saying: “The Chief of Defense Staff cannot answer my question.
“He told me to go talk to the Secretary of Defense and he told me to come talk to you.
“So I ask you: you are not going to close the British Army’s Highland Piping School, are you?”
File image shows Queen Elizabeth II inspecting the guard of honor at the gates of Balmoral
He remembered his own response as follows: “Of course not, Your Majesty.”
“The next day I went to the Ministry of Finance and asked, ‘Is there a pipe school, and for God’s sake tell me we don’t close it.’
George Osborne made the revelation during his podcast
Osborne said he was informed that a Highland music school is part of the army bands and that cuts are being made.
“Well, we’re not anymore,” Osborne claims, he replied.
He then revealed that he had sent a message to Buckingham Palace to reassure the monarch that she did not have to worry about funding being cut.
Queen Elizabeth II’s love of the bagpipes throughout her life is well documented.
Her Majesty was woken at 9am every morning by 15 minutes of live bagpipe music under her window when she stayed at Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace or Holyroodhouse.
And last year, Her Majesty’s personal piper gave a poignant farewell as she was laid to rest, with a moving performance as the Monarch’s coffin was lowered into the vault of St. George’s Chapel.
Pipe Major Burns closed the Westminster Abbey ceremony with a rendition of the traditional lament, Sleep, Dearie, Sleep.
Pipe Major Burns closed the Westminster Abbey ceremony with a rendition of the traditional lament, Sleep, Dearie, Sleep
Major Burns, who serves with The Royal Regiment of Scotland, became the Piper to the Sovereign in 2021, taking over from Pipe Major Richard Grisdale.
An army spokesperson said this The times: ‘Our pipe bands are invaluable in connecting with the community at home and supporting the very important defense activities abroad.
‘They are iconic to the British Army and symbolize the determination, strength and cohesion of our armed forces. Military music continues to play a vital role in supporting the moral component of the British Army’s fighting force.’