Two former Bedford Schoolboys, known as Old Bedfordians, are playing leading roles in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations tomorrow (2 June).
Lt. Colonel James Shaw will be leading the Royal Procession (Trooping the Colour) from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade.
Whereas Lt. Commander Tim Dunning will lead from above in the tri-services Platinum Jubilee Flypast in his Wildcat helicopter.
As part of the Trooping the Colour, the lone front rider, James, will be followed by members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
As Brigade Major of the Household Division, James has also played a key role in organising the parade and the wider Jubilee celebrations, involving more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians.
“Without doubt leading the Royal Procession on the Queen’s Birthday Parade will be a life highlight and a huge honour,” said James.
“Hopefully, my time in the school CCF (Combined Cadet Force) was well spent. It is also lovely to know a fellow OB [Old Bedfordians] will be leading the flypast above me.”
The Parade will then close with the traditional flypast, led by Tim and watched by The Queen and members of the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
It will be one of the biggest formation flypasts ever held, with 70 aircraft from the three services, including the Red Arrows and requires pinpoint accuracy from Tim so they pass over Buckingham Palace at exactly 1pm.
BBC1 will have live coverage of the events from 10am.
