Royal pageantmaster Bruno Peek from Gorleston to retire

Bruno Peek, of Gorleston, oversaw royal celebrations in multiple countries where he would organise large beacon lighting ceremonies to mark major royal events.

Mr Peek, who is 73, said he would be acting as pageantmaster for one "final swansong", for the 80th VE commemorations held in May next year.

Bruno Peek with the Royal Family (Image: Newsquest) "It is with a heavy heart that I will be standing down from the position I have served with such pride for so many years," he said.

"But I feel that I have served my country with great pride for long enough and I think I should step aside for somebody else.

"I have enjoyed every moment, it has been an incredible journey which I am enormously privileged to experience."

Queen Elizabeth II, with Bruno Peek, symbolically leads the lighting of the principal Jubilee beacon at Windsor Castle (Image: Newsquest) Through the position, Mr Peek has met politicians as well as established ties with senior figures in the Royal Family and other celebrities.

He organised the lighting of hundreds of beacons across the world for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees.

"The biggest pleasure has been serving the people of my hometown, I couldn't have done it without their support," he said

"But wherever I have been across the world I have always been supported hugely which makes it easier to make me feel comfortable and relaxed despite the pressure to ensure everything is perfect."

Bruno Peek with the Jubilee crystal diamond delivered to Tower of London (Image: Newsquest) Mr Peek last saw Queen Elizabeth in June 2022, three months before her death, when she gave him a big hug and thanked him for his service.

"Her Majesty was so very gracious, she was always so nice, so pleasant and so easy to be with," Mr Peek said.

"She always made me feel so welcome and she also made me feel so important too and was very relaxed. I am very lucky to have had her support for so many years."

Bruno Peek walks arm in arm with prime minister Margaret Thatcher at the Falklands Heroes dinner (Image: Bruno Peek)

Mr Peek thanked everyone who has supported him over the years.

For details of the 80th anniversary of VE events visit www.veday80.org.uk