The British Army’s Band of King Charles’ Coldstream Guards commemorated the victims of the September 11 attacks with a special performance outside Buckingham Palace on September 11, 2026. The event marked the tragedy’s 25th anniversary and brought together British and American representatives for a musical tribute.
During the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the band performed pieces including John Philip Sousa’s “The Thunderer” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The program also featured the national anthems of the United States and the United Kingdom, “Hymn to the Fallen” from Saving Private Ryan and “Amazing Grace.” Prince Richard and Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, attended the ceremony on behalf of King Charles. The pair joined U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens in receiving the salute.
Remembering all those affected by the tragic events of 9/11, 25 years ago today.
A commemorative Guard Change took place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace this morning, during which The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester took the Royal Salute on behalf of The King.
The… pic.twitter.com/0ZTvRBuino
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 11, 2026
The ceremony commemorated a tradition that began shortly after the 9/11 attacks. On September 13, 2001, Queen Elizabeth requested that the U.S. national anthem be played during the Changing of the Guard, two days after the tragedy on September 11. Meanwhile, the recent event came as the world remembered the 2,977 people killed in the attacks, including 67 British citizens. In April 2026, King Charles and Queen Camilla also visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York to honor those who died. The royal couple met families, victims, first responders, and charities who were involved in the rescue and aid efforts after the attacks.
