Tattoo welcomes the King and Queen of Jordan

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo marked the centennial year of the Great Arab Revolt and the 70th anniversary of Jordan's independence by welcoming King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah to its first weekend performance.

Edinburgh Castle during a Military Tattoo performance Picture: Ian Georgeson

Reinforcing ties between the UK and Jordan, their majesties, who made the trip to Edinburgh especially for the Tattoo, enjoyed the finest Jordanian military entertainment, with 124 performers from the country taking to Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade.

The relationship between the Jordanian armed forces and their British counterparts is long established, with the king a former serving officer of the 13th-18th Royal Hussars and now colonel in chief of the Light Dragoons.

Brigadier David Allfrey, chief executive and producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In such a significant year for The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is a huge honour to host His Majesty as our Salute Taker and it is an absolute pleasure to welcome Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, as well as working with the Jordanian Army.

“Their contribution to the show is tight, professional and hugely colourful. Everyone involved in the project - in Edinburgh, London and Amman - has been so supportive.” Col Abdulbaset Al Asa’ad, commander of the Jordan Armed forces Musical Band, said: “It is an honour to participate for the third time in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.”