In a significant shift from previous protocol, John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, has mandated the inclusion of "God Save the King" at guard of honour ceremonies for visiting military dignitaries. This decision, implemented just three months after Healey's appointment in July 2024, marks a departure from the longstanding practice of playing only the visitor's national anthem.
The new protocol will be inaugurated in the coming week during visits by senior defence officials from the United States and Australia for discussions on the Aukus pact. The guard of honour, to be performed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and the Band of the Welsh Guards, will feature the anthems of all three nations.
Healey explained the rationale behind this change:
"Our military provides world-class guards of honour to visiting dignitaries and defence ministers. It is hugely important that we honour our visitors with their anthem. But seeing servicemen and women across other nations proudly performing their own anthem, it was a no-brainer to me that we should do the same."
This move aligns with the Labour Party's broader strategy to embrace patriotism, distancing itself from the approach taken during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership from 2015 to 2020. Under Sir Keir Starmer's direction since April 2020, Labour has been working to reassure the public of its commitment to national security and defence.
The decision to play "God Save the King" at these ceremonies adds a new dimension to the rich history of British military traditions. The Grenadier Guards, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, dates back to 1656, while the Welsh Guards were established in 1915 by King George V. The Band of the Welsh Guards, formed in the same year, will now have the honour of performing both the British national anthem and those of visiting dignitaries.
This change in protocol comes at a time when defence spending is under scrutiny. The current government aims to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, up from the approximately 2.3% in 2024. This target exceeds the 2% commitment agreed upon by NATO members in 2014. A strategic defence review is underway to assess long-term threats and spending priorities, with the next budget announcement for the Ministry of Defence scheduled for October 30, 2024.
The upcoming ceremonies will feature Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense since 2021, and Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister since 2022. These high-profile visits underscore the importance of the Aukus pact, a trilateral security partnership announced on September 15, 2021, aimed at countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit role on the global stage, this subtle yet symbolic change in military protocol reflects a broader emphasis on national identity and international cooperation. The decision to play "God Save the King" alongside other national anthems at these ceremonies serves as a reminder of the UK's rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to global partnerships in defence and security.