The States Trumpeter played a solid-silver instrument usually used only in the presence of the monarch at the funeral.

THE majestic sound of a State Trumpeter is usually only heard on royal ceremonial occasions.

However, the Queen recently gave special permission for a member of the Band of the Life Guards, a part of the Household Cavalry, to play at the funeral of Islander Brian Driver.

What made the event so special was that the trumpeter played the solid silver instrument – usually only used in the presence of the monarch and adorned with the Queen’s own banner – rather than the more common regimental one.

Mr Driver, who was originally from Yorkshire and moved to Jersey 45 years ago, served in the Life Guards for a number of years.

When he left the regiment, he served in the police before joining the staff at Buckingham Palace as a royal close-protection driver. He used the expertise learned during his time in uniform to drive around members of the royal family safely.

It was also during his time in royal service that Mr Driver met the Spanish woman who would become his wife.

Mr Driver worked for the Jersey Post Office for 30 years before he retired at the age of 63.

He had a great love of horses and was a keen rider, as well as being a member of the MG Club for over 25 years. On his retirement, he took up bowls at Les Creux and at the over-50s club at Fort Regent.

The couple’s son, Andy, said: ‘They met in the dining room at Sandringham. My mother told me that he had a bad cold, so she walked up to him and said, “You need hot milk, brandy and a good woman.” My father said to her, “I have the milk and I can get the brandy, but do you know a good woman?” and so began 45 years together.’

Referring to the trumpeter’s appearance at the funeral, Andy, who also served in the Life Guards, said: ‘He was a total royalist. He would have been immensely proud.’

Andy added that he would like to thank the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Ridgway, and Buckingham Palace for arranging the trumpeter’s visit.

‘I would also like to thank the 200 people who came to the funeral,’ he said.