Football fever has apparently made it as far as Windsor Castle, with the changing of the guard performed to the tune of Three Lions.
The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps played the song – which has become the unofficial soundtrack to England’s World Cup run – during the traditional ceremony, in which one regiment is replaced by another on duty.
Hundreds of tourists and royal watchers looked on as the band dispensed with traditional music on Friday to show their support for Gareth Southgate’s team – who play in the tournament’s quarter finals on Saturday.
And the scene was soon being repeated by royal and military bands across the country.
In London, the Bands of the Guards Division played a rendition of the tune on Buckingham Palace’s forecourt, while the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines in Plymouth offered their version at Raleigh Ceremonial Divisions.
It comes as the Official Charts Company said Three Lions – originally released by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds to accompany Euro 96 – was in line for a return to this week’s Top 40.
Writing on Twitter, Baddiel said: “Thanks to Her Maj for letting so many of her bands play the song! I assume they have to seek permission.”
It is not the first time the changing of the guards has been performed to something a little unusual.
In 2014, following the Queen’s trip to the Game Of Thrones set in Belfast, the band played the popular show’s theme tune. And in 2001, after the 9-11 terrorist attack, The Star Spangled Banner was played – thought to be the only time in history when another country’s national anthem has accompanied the ceremony.
