Alastair Bruce of Crionaich

(Redirected from Alastair Bruce) Journalist, senior British Army officer, and Governor of Edinburgh Castle "Alastair Bruce" redirects here. For the hereditary peer, see Alastair Bruce, 5th Baron Aberdare.

Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich CB OBE VR DL
Major General Bruce in 2019
Birth name	Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce
Born	(1960-06-25) 25 June 1960 (age 64) Winchester, Hampshire, England
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service / branch	British Army
Years of service	1979–2024
Rank	Major General
Unit	Scots Guards Security Assistance Group
Commands	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

Major-General Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce of Crionaich CB OBE VR DL (born 25 June 1960), is a television journalist and former senior officer in the British Army Reserves who served as Governor of Edinburgh Castle from 2019 until 2024.

Royal, Religious and National Events Commentator for Sky News, Bruce was previously engaged by the BBC, and was historical adviser to several feature films and the ITV series Downton Abbey. He has been a commentator on many major State events in the United Kingdom, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the Royal Wedding in 2011, the Papal Visit in 2010, the Coronation in 2023, and the deaths and funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, the Queen Mother in 2002, the Duke of Edinburgh in 2021, and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Bruce commanded the TA Media Operations Group before his appointment as Governor of Edinburgh Castle and continues to serve as an officer of arms in the Royal Household.

Early life and education

Bruce was born at Winchester in 1960, younger son of Lieutenant Commander Henry Victor Bruce of Salloch and Helen Vernon Wallop née William-Powlett, daughter and co-heiress of Vice Admiral Sir Peveril William-Powlett. His great-grandfather was the 8th Earl of Elgin. Brought up in Hampshire, he spent much of his childhood in Sutherland, in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, where his parents owned the Sallachy Estate near the village of Lairg.

Bruce was educated at Milton Abbey School, an independent boarding school for boys (now co-educational), in Milton Abbas, Dorset, before attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Berkshire.

Life and career

Armed forces

Commissioned in the British Army, in 1979, Bruce was promoted, the following year, to lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards. He served as a regular officer for four years, seeing active service in the Falklands War of 1982. The following year, he erected a cairn at Sallachy in Sutherland, in memory of his orderly in the Falklands, Guardsman James Reynolds, from the village of Bridge of Weir in Renfrewshire, who was killed in action while rescuing a wounded comrade, who survived. Reynolds died at the age of 19 at Tumbledown Mountain, then being the only soldier to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal posthumously. At the time, Lieutenant Bruce said: "On returning to Britain after the Falklands, I decided I wanted to do something in honour of Jim Reynolds. He was such a brave young man who was well-liked by everyone".

An Assistant Vice-President with Merrill Lynch from 1983 to 1989, Bruce remained a military reservist. In 2004, he took command of the reserve unit, Media Operations Group, co-ordinating media representation of military activity. In the same year, he was mobilised on active operations in Iraq, serving in Operation TELIC. He was promoted Colonel in the Territorial Army, and became the equerry to Prince Edward. He accompanied HRH the Earl of Wessex to events such as the Wedding of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Charlene Wittstock. After serving as Director of Ceremonies of the Order of St John, in 2008, Bruce was appointed a Knight of St John (OStJ (1991); CStJ (1997)), and in 2010, became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours for "services to the Territorial Army". He was Deputy Commander of 3rd Division and Colonel of the London Scottish Regiment.

In 2019, Bruce succeeded Major General Michael Riddell-Webster as Governor of Edinburgh Castle and was promoted to the rank of major general.

In 2020, Bruce was appointed Honorary Colonel of 5 Military Intelligence Battalion; and in 2021, as Honorary Colonel of Tayforth Universities Officers' Training Corps. He was further appointed Honorary Colonel of the 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Army Reserve from 1 December 2023.

Bruce was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2025 New Year Honours.

Officer of Arms

Queen Elizabeth II appointed Bruce as one of her heralds on 7 October 1998 as Fitzalan Pursuivant, and he has served as a member of the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland, since 1990.

Television, film and publications

Historian

Bruce has worked as a historical advisor to Oscar-winning films such as The King's Speech (2010) and The Young Victoria (2009), and the BAFTA-winning television series Downton Abbey (2010–2015) in which he provided historical accuracy as far as possible while balancing this with the need not to slow down the story unduly. He also advised on the minutiae of early 20th-century society protocol, in such subjects as dress, posture, the serving of food and even on matters that might initially appear trivial, such as the use of vocabulary or the correct way to step out of a car.

Bruce has written many books, and worked with several independent production companies in the preparation of television documentaries which are regularly aired on the BBC, America's PBS network, Discovery Channel and A&E channels. Among these are Nicholas and Alexandra, Victoria and Albert (2001) and Days of Majesty.

Royal documentary

In 2017 Bruce recorded a conversation with Queen Elizabeth II for the BBC: the Queen spoke about her coronation, more than 60 years earlier, in a programme entitled The Coronation.

Academia

Bruce has lectured widely throughout Britain, Europe and the United States; his subjects range from the last Tsars of Russia to British monarchy and the Vatican. In 2011, he was appointed Honorary Professor of Media at the University of Winchester.

In 2024, Bruce unsuccessfully ran for election as Chancellor of Oxford University.

Personal life

Recognised in the name of Bruce of Crionaich by Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1984, on 3 July 2021, after 20 years together, Bruce was married to Stephen Knott at St John's Episcopal Church by the Bishop of Edinburgh.

Bruce is a godfather to James Windsor, Earl of Wessex, the only son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Arms

Coat of arms of Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich
	Adopted Matriculated 12 December 1981 Crest A Lion statant, Tail extended Sable, armed and langued Gules Helm That of an Esquire Escutcheon Or a Saltire and Chief Gules, on a Dexter Canton Argent a Lion rampant Azure armed and langued of the Second, on a Sinister Canton Argent a Bend wavy Sable Motto Fuimus et Sumus ("We have been and We are") Orders Behind the Shield, the Badge of St John, surrounded by the Bath circlet: ; Banner Conjoined Banner of Maj-Gen. Alastair Bruce of Crionaich & Mr. Stephen Knott Other versions Bruce of Crionaich quartering Powlett, and Bruce/Powlett quarterly impaling Knott: ;

Honours

Country	Date	Appointment	Post-nominal letters	Notes
United Kingdom	1982	South Atlantic Medal		with Rosette
	6 February 2002	Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
	2004	Iraq Medal
Commonwealth	2008	Knight of Justice of the Order of St John	KStJ
United Kingdom	2010	Officer of the Order of the British Empire	OBE
	6 February 2012	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
	6 February 2022	Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
	6 May 2023	King Charles III Coronation Medal
	30 December 2024	Companion of the Order of the Bath	CB
		General Service Medal		with "NORTHERN IRELAND" clasp
		Volunteer Reserves Service Decoration (VR)	VR	10 years' service in the Territorial Army.
Commonwealth		Service Medal of the Order of St John		with silver Bar
Jamaica		Governor-General's Medal		(Silver Award)
Antigua & Barbuda		25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
St Lucia		30th Anniversary of Independence Medal
Sovereign Military Order of Malta		Cross of Merit with Swords Order Pro Merito Melitense

As an Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh (formerly the Earl of Wessex) since 2004, Bruce wears an aiguillette on his right shoulder while in military uniform, as well the Royal Cypher of the Duke of Edinburgh on his epaulettes. Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London on 9 October 2012, he is entitled to use the post-nominal letters "DL" in perpetuity.

Publications

Days of Majesty, (co-authored with Simon Welfare); Macmillan Publications, London (1993)
Keepers of the Kingdom: The Ancient Offices of Britain (co-authored with Mark Cator and Julian Calder); Cassell Illustrated Publications, London (1999)
The Oldest: In Celebration of Britain's Living History (co-authored with Julian Calder); Cassell Publications, London (2005)
The Butler's Guide to Running the Home and Other Graces (foreword by Alastair Bruce and written by Stanley Ager and Fiona St. Aubyn); Biteback Publications, London (2012)

References

^ Mosley, Charles, ed. (2003). Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knighthood (107 ed.). Burke's Peerage & Gentry. pp. 1297–1298. ISBN 0-9711966-2-1.
"Alastair Bruce and Dame Joanna Lumley join Sky News for the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort in Ultra HD". Sky News. 16 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
www.royal.uk
^ How Downton minds its manners Publisher: The Daily Telegraph. Published: 16 September 2011. Retrieved: 17 May 2013.
"Handover of the Governor of Edinburgh Castle". www.army.mod.uk. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
www.college-of-arms.gov.uk
^ Interview: Alastair Bruce – Lord of the Manners The Scotsman 31 October 2011. Retrieved: 29 March 2013.
www.sallachyestate.co.uk
^ North campaigners honoured Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Publisher: The Northern Times. Published: 17 June 2010. Retrieved: 29 March 2013.
"Army to set up 'social media unit'". BBC News. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
^ Biographies – Alastair Bruce Publisher: Sky News Press Office. Retrieved: 7 October 2015.
alexart (29 February 2020). Luxe TV HD - Monaco Royal Wedding. Retrieved 29 November 2024 – via YouTube.
"No. 58905". The London Gazette. 8 December 2008. p. 19119.
"No. 52590". The London Gazette. 1 July 1991. p. 10030.
"No. 54940". The London Gazette. 6 November 1997. p. 12485.
"No. 59446". The London Gazette (Supplement). 12 June 2010. p. 5.
"The highest ranking Army Reservist has been installed as Governor of Edinburgh Castle - Defence in the media". modmedia.blog.gov.uk. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
Cawthorn, Joe (4 April 2019). "Alastair Bruce appointed new Governor of Edinburgh Castle". Edinburgh News. Edinburgh. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
"Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL Governor of Edinburgh Castle". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
"No. 63548". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 December 2021. p. 22147.
"No. 64301". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 January 2024. p. 1770.
"No. 64607". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 2024. p. N2.
"No. 55291". The London Gazette. 26 October 1998. p. 11553.
"The Royal Company of Archers". Royal Household. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
"Coronation details revealed in documentary". BBC News. 14 January 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
Bruce, Alastair (29 August 2024). "After 5yrs raising profile of a great Scottish role, as Governor@edinburghcastle, I now seek honour to do same, as Chancellor of Oxford University, promoting university's research & academic mission; its global community & its intent to remain world class in research & teaching". X (formerly Twitter).
Flockhart, Gary (5 July 2021). "'Attitudes change but love is constant': Major General marries partner of 20 years at same-sex wedding in Edinburgh". The Scotsman. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
"Major General Alastair Bruce Married In Edinburgh". Forces.net. 5 July 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
"Alastair Bruce on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
"Our Ambassadors". hampshirescouts.org.uk. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
"Court of Lord Lyon - mygov.scot". www.mygov.scot.
Chesshyre, D. H. B.; Ailes, Adrian (1 January 2001). Heralds of Today: A Biographical List of the Officers of the College of Arms, London, 1987-2001. Illuminata. p. 54. ISBN 9780953784516.
"Safely home with happy memories. Thanks from Stephen and me to Edinburgh Castle's wonderful community for a great send off". X. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
^ https://twitter.com/AlastairBruce_/status/1139138948322746368/photo/1. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
"No. 64607". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2024. pp. N1 – N40.
^ No image of the ribbon was found.
^ "Alastair Bruce on Twitter". Retrieved 30 May 2022.
https://twitter.com/AlastairBruce_/status/1139656661789007872. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
"Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL Governor of Edinburgh Castle". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
"Greater London Lieutenancy | Deputy Lieutenant Commissions | the Gazette".

External links

Military offices
Preceded byMajor General Michael Riddell-Webster	Governor of Edinburgh Castle 2019 – 2024	Succeeded byMajor General Robert Bruce

v t e College of Arms
Earl Marshal High Court of Chivalry
Kings of Arms	Garter (David White) Clarenceux (Robert Noel) Norroy and Ulster (Clive Cheesman)
Heralds of Arms	York (Peter O'Donoghue) Windsor (John Allen-Petrie) Lancaster (Adam Tuck) Somerset (Mark Scott) Chester (Dominic Ingram) Richmond (vacant since 2024)
Pursuivants of Arms	Rouge Croix (Thomas Johnston) Rouge Dragon (Phillip Bone) Bluemantle (James Peill) Portcullis (vacant since 2024)
Officers Extraordinary	New Zealand (Phillip O'Shea) Maltravers (John Martin Robinson) Norfolk (David Rankin-Hunt) Wales (Thomas Lloyd) Arundel (Anne Curry) Fitzalan (Alastair Bruce of Crionaich)
Historical	Beaumont (1982–2009) Berwick (c. 1460 – 1602) Blanche Lyon (c. 1461 – 1831) Delhi (1911) Howard (1992–1998) Mowbray (1623–1849) Surrey (1856–2001)

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