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General Sir Gordon Messenger was Vice Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence until he retired in May 2019. During an illustrious military career, he commanded the Royal Marines during the Iraq War leading 40 Commando in the assault on the Al Faw Peninsula. He was the British Commander of Task Force Helmand in Afghanistan in 2008, served on the 2004 tsunami relief effort, and was awarded an OBE for his services in Kosovo in 2000. The first four star Royal Marine General to be appointed since 1977, he is also the first Royal Marine to ever become Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom.

His new role is a dramatic contrast to his operationally heavy career. Today the Constable of Britain’s most popular paid-for tourist attraction is concerned with largely ceremonial duties. But he will still be notionally in charge of the operation, upkeep and security of the Tower and all those who live and work within it, from the Yeoman Warders, to the Ravens, the Crown Jewels and The Tower Guards who protect them. In keeping with the historic grandeur of the role, the new Constable’s first day at work is a spectacular event, heralded by fanfares, processions and ancient ceremony which form part of his formal “installation” in His Majesty’s Tower of London.

HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood set the mood for the guests who had gathered to witness the installation of the Tower’s 161st Constable. They performed a rousing musical and marching display in front of the New Armouries, ending with distinctive climax.