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Bucklebury couple inspire nation with Coronation anthem




A new Coronation song composed by two Bucklebury musicians and called "fantastic" by Princess Catherine has achieved nationwide acclaim.

Musical duo Daniel and Sandra Nicholls – who taught a young Kate Middleton to play the piano – recently appeared on the BBC to discuss their latest song titled Defender of us All, inspired by King Charles III.

Hundreds of schools throughout the country and further afield – lately the department for education in Queensland, Australia – have expressed an interest in performing their own variations on Friday, May 5, at 11am. And the pair want more local schools, churches and bands to join in.

King Charles III
King Charles III

A representative of Princess Catherine recently wrote to the couple saying: "The Princess of Wales is pleased to hear how you are using your musical creativity to celebrate the Coronation."

They added: "We wish you all the best for the song and proceedings on May 6."

Pippa Middleton echoed her sister's praise, describing the piece as "very uplifting" and the lyrics as "very apt".

"How wonderful and clever to put something together like this," she added.

Then a letter from the head of Royal correspondence said: "The King thanks you for your kind message sent in connection to the composition you created Defender of us All.

"The King was pleased to learn of your passion for the music you composed, and the support shown for his majesty is truly appreciated."

Mr and Mrs Nicholls say the song is fun, easy to learn and promotes a positive and inclusive message for the entire nation to rally behind.

And it is not just the royals they have impressed. The free music and lyrics have already been downloaded by more than 3,000 people and counting.

Bradfield Primary School choir performed the song with Mr and Mrs Nicholls for BBC Breakfast on March 16.

Senior leadership member Natasha Howlett has led the school choir for 10 years. She reflected on its recent performance.

"It was very exciting," she said. "The children were absolute stars. The whole thing took a couple of hours and they sang multiple times from different angles."

Bradfield Primary School choir sing for the King. Credit: BBC Breakfast
Bradfield Primary School choir sing for the King. Credit: BBC Breakfast

"We're a very small school," she added. "To do something like this helps the children to feel part of something bigger."

The school choir, composed of pupils Years 2 to 6, previously performed the Hallelujah Chorus for Mr and Mrs Nicholls' farewell Enharmonic Choir performance in December.

The couple also performed with pupils at Hill House School in London, where King Charles began his formal education.

He then followed in his father's footsteps by studying at Cheam School in Headley, North Hampshire.

Visit https://www.soundscool.org/post/bucklebury-sings-for-the-king to download the free song, sheet music, backing track and orchestral parts to get involved.



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