The Duke of York's Royal Military School holds an rare distinction and privilege —it possesses the right to carry Colours. Initially bestowed in 1825 by George IV, our Colours signify our esteemed heritage. These were the oldest Colours in the Army until new Queen’s and School Colours were presented to the school by The Duke and Duchess of York in 1897 on behalf of Queen Victoria. A new King’s Colour was presented in 1924 by the Duke of York on behalf of George V. New School and King’s Colours were presented in 1934 and 1939 respectively. Subsequently new Queen’s and School Colours were presented in 1965.
Parades & Military Band
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School boasts a rich ceremonial history steeped in tradition. For over two centuries, the School has upheld its legacy through meticulously orchestrated parades. Accompanied by the magnificent 55-strong Marching Band which includes a Corps of Drums, these parades resonate with the cadence of military tradition, instilling a profound sense of pride and honour in all who participate.
Central to these ceremonies are the School Colours, emblematic of its unity and heritage, proudly borne by students as a symbol of their allegiance and commitment to the institution.
In 1916, Grand Day Inspecting officer, Lt. General G. H. Moncrieff, V.D. recommended that each student should be allowed to wear the badge of his father’s regiment to remind him of the value of “esprit de corps” and concepts of gallantry and bravery. Since then, all students wear either their parent’s regimental badge or the school’s cap badge on the left breast of their ceremonial blues uniform, it is known at their “heart badge”.
The School Colours
The most recent set was presented by the school’s Patron, The Duke of Kent, on Grand Day 2003 as part of the school’s bicentennial celebrations. As each new Colour is presented its predecessor is laid up in the school Chapel; the original 1825 set hangs over the pulpit and lectern.
The Colours form part of significant parades such as Remembrance Sunday and Grand Day.
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“Your house is your guard,’ one pupil explained, showing us their guard’s heart pin. ‘As soon as you start, you’re presented it which makes you feel you belong to something really special.”
Parades and Military Band
Students take part in bi-weekly parades with the School regularly hosting Royal guests and senior officers as Inspecting Officers. There parades offer students a cherished opportunity to honour military heritage.
Selected from Year 9 to Year 13 for their talent and enthusiasm, the Marching Band members, undergo rehearsals throughout the week to master our challenging music. Their dedication is evident in the extra accoutrements on their parade uniforms and distinct cap, signifying their membership.
The band shines brightest at special events like our prestigious Grand Day and has had the privilege of performing at notable occasions such as the Police passing out parade at Hendon, the King’s Coronation, London Tattoo, Royal Norfolk Tattoo, and at the residence of the Belgium and Finnish Ambassadors.
Grand Day
Grand Day is the pinnacle of our school year, featuring a morning prize-giving ceremony recognising academic achievements and an afternoon Trooping the Colour ceremony, where we pay homage to our Colours, emblematic of our School’s unity and heritage. Every aspect of this ceremony, including the Escort to the Colour, Guards, and Military Band, is orchestrated by our students, showcasing their exceptional skills and commitment to upholding our traditions.
Remembrance Weekend
Remembrance Weekend holds a special place in our School calendar, with hundreds of Alumni joining the current students for our Remembrance Sunday Parade at the School’s cenotaph.
Annually, students form a Guard of Honour at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior for the lighting of the British Torch of Remembrance and participating in wreath-laying ceremonies at Dover Marine Station. Both traditions symbolise the Dukies of 1920 who formed part of the Guard of Honour for the return of the Unknown Warrior’s body to Dover’s Western Docks.
Notably, students have also represented the School at prestigious events like the Royal British Legion (RBL) Festival of Remembrance where they delivered prayers in front of Her Majesty, The Queen.
In addition, we take pride in our participation in Belgian parades and the King’s Parade in Brussels, where our students demonstrate their commitment to honouring those who have served.
Beret Parade
Each October, our Year 7 students mark their entry into our School community and becoming lifelong Dukies with Beret Parade. As part of this, students receive their school cap badge and beret during a formal ceremony presided over by the Principal. This symbolic event signifies their readiness to fully engage in future school parades, culminating in a proud moment for both students and parents.
