A ROYAL Marine drummer had the surprise of his life whilst taking leave on the Isle of Wight, when he was recalled to perform at the funeral of Prince Philip.

Island-born Ben Scott-Denness was part of an elite mass of military musicians who performed in the grounds of Windsor Castle for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon (Saturday).

Isle of Wight County Press: Islander Ben Scott-Denness was part of a Royal Marine band who played on the march at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.Islander Ben Scott-Denness was part of a Royal Marine band who played on the march at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

The Duke, who died last Friday week, aged 99, was given a ceremonial funeral at Windsor, with bands and a military escort, which culminated with a private service in St George's Chapel, following a minute's silence at 3pm.

Ben, based at the Royal Marines' School of Music in Portsmouth, was on holiday at his mum Victoria's home in Whitepit Lane, Newport, when he received a call the day after the Duke's death, for his return to base in preparation for the funeral.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ben Scott-Denness, of Newport, performed at the funeral of Prince Philip.Ben Scott-Denness, of Newport, performed at the funeral of Prince Philip.

The 21 year old, was part of a tri-services contingent, which comprised musicians of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF — all of which had a close connection to the Duke.

Ben, who attended Godshill Primary, the former Ventnor Middle School, Medina High and Platform One music college, Newport, became a drummer when he joined Medina Marching Band, aged ten.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ben Scott-Denness, fifth left, performing at the Duke's funeral, matched by millions worldwide.Ben Scott-Denness, fifth left, performing at the Duke's funeral, matched by millions worldwide.

He applied for the Royal Marines — joining more than a year ago and completing 17 weeks of training at Lympstone, Plymouth, before undertaking his musical training in Portsmouth.

It's not the first time Ben has performed in front of a member of the Royal familiy. He played at the Mountbatten Festival of Music just before the first lockdown, before Prince Harry, at the Royal Albert Hall.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ben was part of an elite group of servicemen to perform at Prince Philip's funeral.Ben was part of an elite group of servicemen to perform at Prince Philip's funeral.

Ben has even performed with Platform One at the Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park, Newport.

Ben's father, Nick, 49, a day surgery practitioner at St Mary's Hospital, Newport, was brimming with pride watching his son perform at the Duke's funeral, before millions of television viewers around the globe.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ben was told he would be performing at the Duke's funeral the day after he died, last Saturday, whilst on leave.Ben was told he would be performing at the Duke's funeral the day after he died, last Saturday, whilst on leave.

"It was amazing. I am very proud of Ben. He's made all the family proud and it's great for the Island," said Nick, of Newport Road, Godshill.

"Ben was chuffed when he got the call and feels privileged to be a part of such a huge occasion.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ben Scott-Denness was a student of Platform One, Newport.Ben Scott-Denness was a student of Platform One, Newport.

"He got quite emotional about it and said he really feels for the Queen.

"A boy starting out with a band on the Island and today, performing his duty at Windsor Castle, just shows what can be achieved in life."

Ben, who also likes contemporary music, has just bought an electric drum kit and hopes to join a rock or pop band too.