Hundreds of people gathered in Grand Casemates Square yesterday (9 October) to watch the the Ceremony of the Keys. 

A statement continued: “The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, and Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Tom Guy, were both present for the annual event as His Excellency the Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst, performed the historic ceremony in Grand Casemates square. 

“Today the ceremony is a reminder of the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1779 when French and Spanish troops attempted to capture Gibraltar. During the Great Siege the Fortress was locked by the Port (Gate) Sergeant each evening at sunset and the keys were handed back to the Governor who guarded them personally while platoons were posted outside the walls on the North Front of the Rock to act as sentries. 

“In the modern version of the ceremony, at the firing of the sunset gun by Thomson’s Battery of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, the Governor of Gibraltar symbolically hands the keys of the fortress to the Port Sergeant. The Port Sergeant, accompanied by an armed escort, marches away to symbolically lock the gates of the fortress for the night before returning the keys to the Governor. 

“The Ceremony of the Keys is a highlight for the men and women who perform in the ceremony due to its connection for the people to the history of Gibraltar, and it is often regarded as an unofficial national celebration, underpinned by the hard work that goes into the planning and preparation. Music is always an important accompaniment to the ceremony and the atmosphere. This year the crowd were entertained by the Band of the Welsh Guards who were supporting the Band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and under the command of WO1 Andrea Birkett who composed a special fanfare for the occasion.”

Lt Col John Pitto, Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment said: “It is an honour and a privilege to preside for the first time as Commanding Officer over the Ceremony of the Keys parade — a timeless tradition that symbolises both our heritage and the enduring reassurance of British sovereignty. I am immensely proud of the 

professionalism and dedication displayed by RSM WO1 Karon Fortunato and Drill Sergeant Major Paul Grech in their meticulous preparation and flawless execution of both the rehearsal and the parade. Their efforts, together with the commitment of all involved, truly reflect the pride, discipline, and excellence of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.” 

WO1 Andrea Birkett, Bandmaster of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band said: “This was my first ceremonial parade in Gibraltar, and I was delighted to be joined by the Band of the Welsh Guards. The programme had a Welsh Guards theme to honour His Excellency, and I composed a fanfare entitled Crown & Calpe with an excerpt from the Welsh Guards Regimental March and the Gibraltarian Song Llevame Donde Naci.”