Queen Mother's piper returns for funeral

Major Spoore served the Queen Mother for five years

The Queen Mother's favourite piper has been brought out of retirement to play at her funeral on Tuesday.

Pipe Major John Spoore was personal piper to Queen Mother from 1985 to 1990, playing for her every year on her birthday.

Last week the 65-year-old from Gillingham in Kent was told that the Royal Family had asked him to play at the funeral.

It is thought that this was on the express wishes of the Queen Mother who had made careful plans for the service.

Major Spoore played at birthday celebrations

Major Spoore said: "It's going to be very emotional, I'm very proud to have been called out of military retirement to play."

The former police officer, who has been playing pipes for over 40 years, said: "If you were speaking with the Queen Mother you were completely at ease."

Major Spoore retired twelve years ago and was awarded the Silver Medal of the Victorian Order.

On Tuesday he will be among 196 British army pipers and drummers who will play as the coffin moves to St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Among the reported pieces that will he will play are "My Home", "The Mist-Covered Mountains" and "Oft the Stilly Night".