Ukrainian naval band’s debut marks powerful moment ahead of show’s 75th edition
Princess Anne brought her signature dedication and support to Edinburgh this week as she attended the preview of the 2025 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, showing solidarity with performers from around the globe.
The Princess Royal, known for her unwavering commitment to the armed forces, met with cast members ahead of the iconic event’s opening at Edinburgh Castle. Among those she warmly greeted were members of a Ukrainian naval band, participating in the Tattoo for the first time since war broke out in their homeland. Their presence brought an emotional and historic depth to this year’s international showcase.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the castle, the Tattoo will officially open later this week and run throughout August, welcoming thousands of spectators to experience an unforgettable display of military precision, music, and cultural unity.
This year marks a significant milestone as the Tattoo celebrates its 75th anniversary and welcomes a fresh face at the helm. Adam Lane, a respected theatre director and Royal Engineers reservist, takes on the role of creative director—bringing a unique blend of artistic vision and military experience to the production.
Embracing the theme “The Heroes Who Made Us,” each night of the Tattoo will pay tribute to extraordinary individuals who have inspired through courage, service, and resilience.
Lane praised the production team’s decades of experience, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver a powerful show: “The team here are fantastic—they’ve been making shows for decades, so I’m very confident they’ll do a great job.”
Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, he added, “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome our brothers and sisters from Ukraine.”
With Princess Anne’s support and a renewed sense of purpose, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo continues to stand as a beacon of unity, tradition, and global camaraderie.
