From the archive: Jordan’s first family bring a touch of glamour to Tattoo - 19 August, 2010

JORDAN’S king and queen were guests of honour at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last night, adding a dash of glamour to the event.

King Abdulla II bin al-Hussein and his wife Rania al-Abdullah were invited to attend the event in its 60th year as the Jordanian army is one of the star attractions in this year’s show.

They performed a special royal salute upon the king’s arrival at Edinburgh Castle esplanade. The royal visit was the first time a sovereign from the Middle East has visited the Tattoo. The Jordanian contingent at the Tattoo features 77 musicians, including a full bagpipe band and a drill team.

Performers from Poland, New Zealand and Cape Town are also appearing in this year’s sold-out Tattoo, which was given its own new royal title this year after being given an official stamp of approval by Buckingham Palace to mark its diamond jubilee.