King Charles Praises Queen’s Piper for Moving Performance at State Funeral

In a heartfelt tribute following the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth last month, King Charles expressed his admiration for the Queen's Piper, Major Paul Burns.

The emotional performance took place at London's Westminster Abbey on September 19, where Major Burns played the traditional lament, “Sleep, dearie, sleep,” as the congregation stood in solemn respect.

Lieutenant-General Nick Borton, commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, shared a letter on Twitter that the Monarch had sent to thank the Army for their role during the period of mourning.

The letter revealed King Charles' complimentary words for Major Burns.

In it, the King expressed gratitude to all those from the Army who participated in the events following the Queen's passing, praising the flawless execution of the ceremonial proceedings in Scotland and London, overseen by the Garrison Sergeant Majors.

He specifically commended the Bearer Parties, comprised of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Grenadier Guards, for their dignity and devotion, as well as the Queen's Piper for his important and deeply moving role.

The letter, addressed to the Chief of the General Staff, concluded with King Charles signing off as Charles R. It was a touching acknowledgement of the over four thousand men and women of the Army who were involved in the funeral arrangements, with some even returning from overseas deployments to contribute.

Their dedication did not go unnoticed, and the King expressed his heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them.

In addition to the praise, Major Burns has been bestowed with a special new role.

According to reports from The Sun, he has been appointed as the official Piper for the new Monarch.

He recently carried out his first official performance at Bercall House, the King's Residence in Balmoral.

Going forward, Major Burns will accompany King Charles wherever he stays in the UK, ensuring that he can play outside the King's bedroom window at 9am every morning, just as he did for the late Queen.

Major Burns, a member of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, assumed the position of Queen's Piper Major in 2021, succeeding Piper Major Richard Grisdale.

For years, he faithfully played the bagpipes for fifteen minutes every morning at 9am beneath the Queen's window, regardless of her location, be it Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Holyrood House, or Balmoral.

As the 17th Piper to Her Majesty, Major Burns concluded his duties with a heart-wrenching rendition of “Sleep, Deary Sleep” at Westminster Abbey during her funeral, as her coffin was lifted from the catafalque and moved through the Great West Door.

The sound that had once awakened her every day now accompanied her into eternal rest.

The tradition of having a personal piper has been cherished by the British monarchy since Queen Victoria established the role in 1843.

Inspired by the Marquess of Bredelbane, who had her own piper, Queen Victoria declared, ”We have heard nothing but bagpipes since we have been in the beautiful Highlands, and I have become so fond of it that I mean to have a piper, who can, if you like it, pipe every night at Frogmore.”

This special custom has continued throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who ascended the throne in 1952.

The moving performance by Major Paul Burns and the heartfelt appreciation expressed by King Charles serve as a testament to the enduring traditions and deep respect within the British monarchy.