A helicopter and boats to perform a rare ceremony at the Tower of London

[throw0101d]

Some videos of previous events (no helicopters though):

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAS9j1BWGiE

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThRYOVxUTJg

Seems that the ceremony occurs a couple of times per year, and in recent years allied navy ships also partake in it as some friendly pomp:

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constable_of_the_Tower#Constab...

[wdb]

Probably not Dutch navy ships lol

[ValentineC]

I looked through the entire article, but couldn't find out why there would be a helicopter or boats this time. Searching for the ceremony on Google News didn't yield any results either.

Would anyone know why?

[fauigerzigerk]

I think it's a recognition that the Royal Navy also has pilots and not just sailors.

Also, army and navy recruitment goals haven't been met since 2010. Can't hurt to put on a bit of a show!

[aidenn0]

10 years ago they had a larger ceremony as part of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic; perhaps this is for the 80th?

[koliber]

What happens to the barrel of fine alcoholic drink after it gets handed to the Constable? This article is missing the most important details.

[ttepasse]

The Yeoman Warders - the Beefeaters - have their own accommodation in the Tower's Outer Ward and they have also their own pub:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeoman_Warders_Club

[throw0101d]

> What happens to the barrel of fine alcoholic drink after it gets handed to the Constable?

It is imbibed:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAS9j1BWGiE&t=1m44s

[dctoedt]

My strong suspicion is that the sailors involved in this would much rather be on liberty than having to dress up and perform what amounts to a little play for the tourists. But maybe things are different than they were BITD ....

[seabass-labrax]

I'd imagine that it's voluntary. The last thing you want in a show for the press and tourists is a bunch of grumpy looking sailors, but I also imagine there are a not insignificant number of armed forces personnel who appreciate the getting in the limelight now and then.

[alistairSH]

What makes you think they’d otherwise have leave?

All militaries do pomp and ceremony. Maybe a bit more in the UK. But it’s part of the job description.

[scns]

They have a party thrown for them afterwards.

[weinzierl]

Apropos ceremonies and Tower Bridge: I heard that everyone with a legitimate reason could request the bridge to be opened. The usual reason being wanting to sail your boat under.

https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times

[creativeSlumber]

Basically a very fancy alcohol delivery?

[cratermoon]

Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/the-constabl...

[poulsbohemian]

> What was once a hated tax on mariners is now an exciting ceremony performed very occasionally, usually when there’s a navel vessel visiting London.

Did I just overlook it in the article, or why is this event occurring this week? Some special visitor in town?

[throw0101d]

It occurs anytime a Royal Navy ship visits London, which is once or twice a year. (In recent years allied navy ships also partake in the ceremony.)

[divbzero]

Is there a motivation behind having a helicopter join this time? Or more just “Heck, why not?”

[tempodox]

> …when there’s a navel vessel visiting London.

I'm imagining a tiny ship swimming in a few drops of water being balanced in someone's navel. An apt entertainment while bribing the Constable with select alcoholic beverages.