Alastair Bruce of Crionaich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alastair Bruce of Crionaich
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Major General Bruce in 2019
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| Birth name | Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce |
| Born | 25 June 1960 Winchester, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1979–2024 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | Scots Guards Security Assistance Group |
| Commands held | Governor of Edinburgh Castle |
| Battles/wars | Falklands War Iraq War The Troubles |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Volunteer Reserves Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) |
Stephen Knott
(m. 2021) |
| Relations | Earls of Elgin and Kincardine; Earls of Portsmouth |
| Other work | Fitzalan Pursuivant Extraordinary Dir. Ceremonies, Order of St John |
Alastair Bruce of Crionaich (born 25 June 1960) is a former high-ranking British Army officer and a well-known television expert on royal events. He served as the Governor of Edinburgh Castle from 2019 to 2024.
You might have seen him on Sky News talking about important national events. He has been a commentator for many major occasions, including the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. He also commented on the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011 and the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Besides his TV work, Bruce was a historical advisor for movies and TV shows like Downton Abbey. He is also an officer of arms, which means he helps with ceremonies for the Royal Household.
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
Alastair Bruce was born in Winchester, England, in 1960. His father was an officer in the Royal Navy. His family has a long and important history connected to Scotland. He grew up in Hampshire but also spent a lot of time in the Scottish Highlands.
For his education, Bruce went to Milton Abbey School in Dorset. After finishing school, he attended the famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where British Army officers are trained.
A Life of Service and Media
In the Armed Forces
Bruce joined the British Army in 1979 and became an officer in the Scots Guards. He served as a full-time officer for four years. During this time, he took part in the Falklands War in 1982.
A year after the war, he built a memorial in Sutherland, Scotland. It was for Guardsman James Reynolds, a brave 19-year-old soldier who died in the war while saving a wounded comrade. Bruce said, "He was such a brave young man who was well-liked by everyone."
Even after leaving full-time service, Bruce remained a reservist in the army. In 2004, he was sent to Iraq to serve in Operation TELIC. He later became a Colonel and was appointed as an equerry (a type of royal assistant) to Prince Edward.
In 2019, Bruce was promoted to major general and became the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, a very important role.
Working in Television and Film
Bruce has used his deep knowledge of history to help make movies and TV shows more accurate. He worked as a historical advisor on the Oscar-winning film The King's Speech and the popular TV series Downton Abbey.
On Downton Abbey, he made sure everything looked and felt like it was from the early 20th century. This included details like how characters dressed, stood, and even how they got out of a car.
He has also written books and worked on many documentaries about history. In 2017, he had a special conversation with Queen Elizabeth II for a BBC program about her coronation.
Royal and Ceremonial Duties
In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Bruce as an officer of arms, also known as a herald. Heralds are experts in coats of arms and help organize important ceremonies like coronations.
He is also a member of the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the monarch's official bodyguard in Scotland.
Personal Life
Bruce is a godfather to James Windsor, Earl of Wessex, the son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
On July 3, 2021, Bruce married his partner of 20 years, Stephen Knott.
He is also an ambassador for the Hampshire Scouts and supports an award that recognizes inspirational young people in scouting.
Honours and Awards
Throughout his career, Alastair Bruce has received many honours for his military service and his work with the royal family. These awards are a way of recognizing his dedication and contributions to the country.
Some of his most important honours include:
- Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB): A high-ranking award for senior military officers.
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): Given for his service to the Territorial Army.
- Knight of Justice of the Order of St John (KStJ): An award for his work with the St John Ambulance charity.
He has also received medals for his service in military campaigns and for taking part in royal jubilees and coronations.
See also
