Queen broke 600-year tradition with touching music…

Queen broke 600-year tradition with touching music request after September 11 attacks

As the world mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, people continue to share special and uplifting stories of the things did did during a 70-year reign. On the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack, when nearly 3000 people lost their lives in and around New York City, a poignant moment has resurfaced of the way the Queen led tributes.

The monarch broke with a 600-year-old tradition and directed the Coldstream Guards to play the American national anthem The Star Spangled Banner during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, two days after the 9/11 attacks.

In a news article from September 14, 2001, The Guardian reported: "More than 3,000 people including hundreds of Americans gathered outside Buckingham Palace yesterday to hear the Star Spangled Banner performed in an unprecedented alteration to the changing of the guard ceremony."

Footage of the event has begun to be circulated on social media today. In a Tweet from a year ago that has resurfaced today, one American citizen said: "This morning I mentioned this memory from 9/11 and was shocked to hear so few people knew about it.

"On 9/12 The Queen broke a 600 year-old Royal tradition and requested the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A signal that we would not fight this evil alone."

In response, one Twitter user said: "I remember this. We talk about how Americans came together, but really it was people all over the world that came together in support of the US. Thank you for sharing!"

Another said: "Had no idea. Very classy and appreciated."

"I was in London on 9/11 and there was so much support. As soon as someone heard your accent they would offer sympathy. There were special services from the biggest churches to the chapel in the Tower of London. The square across from the embassy was covered in flowers," added another.

As well as playing The Star Spangled Banner, Her Majesty also arranged for a service of remembrance to be held at St Pauls Cathedral in London. Thousands of people gathered inside the Cathedral and outside as Americans and Brits stood shoulder to shoulder and united in grief as the US national anthem played for a second time that week.

US Ambassador William Farish was joined by the Queen, the then-Prince of Wales, then Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for the service.