Musical heirs! From a rendition of Football's Coming Home to a celebration of K-Pop - the times Palace guards have played popular tunes
Whether it's to honour a visiting dignitary or VIP or to celebrate a landmark event, the royals like to pull out all the stops to make it as memorable as possible.
In many cases that includes having the Kings and Queen's Guards play appropriate music at the gates of a royal residence.
This week's rendition of Frank Skinner's and David Baddiel's Euro 96 anthem Football's Coming Home outside Buckingham Palace proved their skills once again.
And last month the Coldstream Guards performed a hugely popular song by Japanese rock group Ryokuoushoku Shakai in honour of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during their state visit.
But there are many more examples of the military musicians hitting just the right note, as we reveal below.
Cheering on the Three Lions
On Wednesday, the guards threw their support behind the England men's team before their Euros 2024 semi-final match against the Netherlands.
The rendition of the song officially known as Three Lions did the trick, with Gareth Southgate's men making it to the finals.
Three Lions was recorded by Skinner and Baddiel in the hope of propelling Terry Venables' men to victory at Euro 96.
But as we all know, they were knocked out in the semi-final by Germany on penalties. And it was Southgate himself who missed the final spot kick.
This time, will we be treated to a chorus of We are the Champions outside the Palace if this team win the tournament?
Welcoming the Emperor and Empress of Japan
Last month, the King and Queen hosted a three-day state visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
There was full pomp and pageantry for the visiting dignitaries, including a banquet thrown in their honour.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were given gifts by Charles and Camilla including gold and silver beakers, whisky and a handmade fan.
But surely the best gift of all was when the Coldstream Guards played Ryokuoushoku Shakai's hit Mela.
A Swifty Changing of the Guard
Taylor Swift's sell out Eras Tour returns to the UK next month for more dates at Wembley.
In June, the Prince of Wales attended one of the concerts with his two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Palace guards celebrated the pop princess's time in London by playing 'Shake it Off' at the Changing of the Guard. But they drew the line at wearing friendship bracelets.
Celebrating K-Pop
Last November, Black Pink, the all-girl group from South Korea were presented with honorary MBEs in recognition of the role they played as COP-26 advocates.
They encouraged millions of young fans to engage with the UN climate change conference that was held in Glasgow in 2021.
During the Changing of the Guard, soldiers played the band's hit DDu-Du DDu-Du. Luckily they didn't have to attempt to sing it.
A Double for the Lionesses
The England women's team, our courageous Lionesses, have been honoured twice by the royal bands.
In 2022 the Queen's Guard commemorated their winning the European Cup with a rendition of anthem Sweet Caroline.
The following year we got another blast when they reached the final of the World Cup, which was eventually won by Spain.
Commemorating 9/11
Following the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ordered her guards to play the American national anthem at the Changing of the Guard.
It was an immensely touching moment that left visiting US tourists in tears.
Twenty years later, to mark the anniversary, the Welsh Guard at Windsor Castle performed the Star-Spangled Banner yet again.
Bon Jovi at Buck House
The Prince of Wales once famously belted out Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, accompanied by Taylor Swift, when the American rockers performed at a Kensington Palace reception.
The band of the Scots Guard returned the favour by doing a medley of Bon Jovi hits (including Livin' on a Prayer) in February 2020 as a thank you for them recording a charity single in aid of the Invictus Games.
Queen's Guards play for the Queen of Soul
On the day of Aretha Franklin's funeral in August 2018, the Welsh Guards showed one of the greatest singers of all time the ultimate R.E.S.P.E.C.T by playing a medley of her best-known hits on a gloriously sunny day at Buckingham Palace.
Celebrating Prince Archie
Back in 2019, before Harry and Meghan departed for Montecito, the Royal Family celebrated the birth of their first child – and another great grandchild for the Queen.
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland played Congratulations to mark the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son Archie.
Nine months later came Megxit!
Birthday boy Charles
In November 2022, just weeks into his reign, the band of the Household Cavalry wished Charles a poignant happy birthday outside Buckingham Palace.
Charles had yet to be officially crowned following the death of his mother the Queen, but his Guards ensured his first birthday as monarch was marked in regal style.
