Scotland: Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Watch Cadets Beating Retreat

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended a Beating Retreat by The Massed Pipes and Drums of the Combined Cadet Force in Scotland.

Prince William and Kate Middleton had invited individuals from local Scottish charities and schools to watch the event with them on Thursday evening at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Beating Retreat has its origins in the early years of organised warfare when the beating of drums and the parading of Post Guards heralded the closing of camp gates and the lowering of flags at the end of the day.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is an educational partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence.

It aims to provide a unique combination of opportunities for young people to experience challenges, situations and activities, enabling them to develop new skills, confidence and resilience.

The CCF in Scotland consists of more than 2,000 cadets, and the Massed Pipes and Drums on parade represent the 16 CCF contingents in Scotland including cadets from Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh.

The event marked the final night of the Cambridges' week-long 2021 tour of Scotland.