The Princess Royal was spellbound as international teams performed their displays of military drill, music and dancing at Redford Barracks in the Capital on Thursday.
Anne met with many of the performers and bands after they rehearsed their routines on the parade ground, running through the show as it will appear on the famous esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.
At the end of the performance, juvenile world champion Highland dancer Rosey Watt presented the princess, who is patron of the Tattoo, with flowers as the organisers thanked her for attending.
This year’s event, which runs from Friday for 25 shows throughout August, will see the US Air Force Band perform for the first time – providing a freestyle depiction of “America’s great songbook”.
Other visiting bands include the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, who will put on a lively performance of contemporary Caribbean music.
The RAF is the lead service at this year’s Tattoo, which will feature music from video games like Battlefield 2, Final Fantasy VII and Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Traditional Scottish music, including the famous skirl of the massed pipes and drums, remains a central part of the show.
The theme for this year’s event is “Stories”, with 800 performers from around the world seeking to captivate the festival crowds.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see Anne enjoying the final rehearsals of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Princess Royal watched international teams perform their displays of military drill, music and dancing at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh on Thursday. Photos: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
. Alpine horn players
Alpine horn players from the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band during a rehearsal for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh. This year's show, entitled Stories, celebrates limitless forms of expression through Stories and transports audiences on a journey of ideas, from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage. Photo credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
1. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Princess Royal watched international teams perform their displays of military drill, music and dancing at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh on Thursday. Photos: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
2. Alpine horn players
Alpine horn players from the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band during a rehearsal for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh. This year's show, entitled Stories, celebrates limitless forms of expression through Stories and transports audiences on a journey of ideas, from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage. Photo credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
3. His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway during a rehearsal for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway during a rehearsal for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh. Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow
4. Members of the military
Members of the military during a rehearsal for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh. This year's show, entitled Stories, celebrates limitless forms of expression through Stories and transports audiences on a journey of ideas, from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage. Picture date: Thursday August 3, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Tattoo. Photo credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow