Pipe dream gets the Royal seal of approval

A proud piper was chosen to perform for The Queen during her visit to Berkhamsted earlier this month.
Selfie: piper Regina Whyatt at Windsor CastleSelfie: piper Regina Whyatt at Windsor Castle
Selfie: piper Regina Whyatt at Windsor Castle

Regina Whyatt, from Hemel Hempstead, played the bagpipes as Her Majesty entered St Peter’s Church – but this is not the first time she has performed for the monarch.

Wearing her full RAF No 1 uniform, Regina marched with 60 pipers from across the UK and Commonwealth as part of a grand finale to the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle in April.

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The spectacular show was broadcast worldwide and included 900 horses and 1,500 performers.

It was a dream come true for Regina, who regularly pipes with RAF Halton Pipes & Drums.

She said: “I grew up in Northern Ireland and my mum encouraged me to be a piper. It was her dream, so I started piping at the age of 11.

“It wasn’t long before my mum’s dream became mine.”

Since that childhood passion began, Regina has piped locally, nationally and internationally.

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Joining the RAF Halton in 2000, she has competed at piping events up and down the UK, taking part in the Edinburgh Tattoo and smaller events such as parties and weddings.

But the opportunity to join the cast of performers and play her bagpipes at Windsor Castle was the icing on the cake for Regina.

Taking time off from her job at Fine & Country estate agents in Berkhamsted, Regina spent a week rehearsing for the show.

She said: “It was a privilege to be part of the 90th birthday celebrations and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that when I started piping as a child, I would be performing at such prestigious events.

“It was a true honour. I’ve made my mum and family very proud.”