Saxophonist YolanDa Brown has made history as the Royal Marine Band's first honorary colonel. The 44-year-old musician has also been invited to perform with the band on the nation's flagship carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in Oslo.
King's Approval and Reaction
Brown said the appointment, approved by His Majesty The King, was "a privilege beyond words" and that she felt "incredibly proud and genuinely humbled". She added: "Our Armed Forces do extraordinary work protecting us, serving our country and bringing hope to people around the world."
She continued: "While music and military service may seem like two very different worlds, I believe they share something incredibly powerful: both bring people together, lift spirits, inspire courage and remind us of the strength of the human spirit."
Role and Ambitions
Brown said she could not wait to champion the Royal Marines' talent, inspire the next generation, build bridges between the military and music worlds and contribute to the wider Royal Navy family. "I embrace this honour with an open heart, enormous gratitude, lots of energy and of course, plenty of music. Let the adventure begin," she said.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: "YolanDa Brown will be a tremendous asset to Admiralty Squadron, bringing huge talent and a whole raft of achievements in the arts, the music industry, as well as in business and advocacy. She is the first musician to be appointed as Honorary Colonel and I am very much looking forward to working with her."
Honorary Officers and Career
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have appointed a select number of honorary officers, including former 007 Daniel Craig and Olympian Victoria Pendleton, who serve as ambassadors and advocates for personnel and their families.
Brown won a Best Jazz Mobo Award in 2008 and released her debut album, April Showers May Flowers, in 2012. She has toured with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean and The Temptations, and has performed with Rick Astley, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and Kelly Jones of Stereophonics. She was appointed chairwoman of the British Phonographic Industry in 2022 and named chancellor of the University of Kent in 2024.
