YolanDa Brown is appointed as Royal Marine Band’s first honorary colonel

Saxophonist YolanDa Brown has made history as the Royal Marine Band’s first honorary colonel.

The musician, 44, has been invited to perform with the musicians on the nation’s flagship carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in Oslo.

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.

Brown with fellow honorary and senior officers at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth (Royal Navy/Crown Copyright)

“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.

“I cannot wait to champion the Royal Marines’ extraordinary 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.”

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.”

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, offering advice and support where needed, and generally championing the UK Forces.

Brown (right) with First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins (centre) and Honorary RN Commodore Stephen Watson (Royal Navy/Crown Copyright)

Brown won a Best Jazz Mobo Award in 2008 and released her debut album, April Showers May Flowers in 2012.

The musician has toured with Jools Holland’s Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean and The Temptations.

She has also performed with the likes of Rick Astley, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and Kelly Jones of Stereophonics.

Brown was appointed chairwoman of the British Phonographic Industry in 2022 and she was named chancellor of the University of Kent in 2024.