Queen Elizabeth II pageant master to retire

Bruno Peek hands a torch to the late Queen Elizabeth to ignite the first beacon during celebrations to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012

Getty Images Man in dark suit and thick white hair hands a flaming torch to the late Queen Elizabeth who is wearing a white headscarf and lime green coat to ignite the first beacon during celebrations to mark her Diamond Jubilee. A large bouquet of pink, white and lilac flowers are in front of her. Prince Charles, wearing a navy, double-breasted suit, stands next to her, and has a bemused smile on his face. — Bruno Peek hands a torch to the late Queen Elizabeth to ignite the first beacon during celebrations to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012

The late Queen's pageant master, who has overseen royal celebrations in multiple countries, has announced he is to retire.

Bruno Peek, who lives in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, organised large historical beacon lighting ceremonies to mark major royal events for more than 40 years.

Mr Peek, who is 73, said he would be acting as pageant master one final time,for the 80th VE commemorations in May next year.

"I've had a couple of heart attacks, and my health isn't brilliant. Now is the time to go," he said.

Bruno Peek organised the Beacon Millennium, where hundreds of beacons were lit to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000

PA Bruno Peek is wearing a coat with a white scarf. He is holding a long wooden torch to light a beacon on top of St James's church tower in London. — Bruno Peek organised the Beacon Millennium, where hundreds of beacons were lit to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000

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

"It's a very stressful job because it has to be right all the time," he said.

"It's something that either happens or it doesn't. There is no movement for failure because you can't repeat it."

Mr Peek has stood alongside royalty and mingled with politicians as his beacons are lit, marking major milestones in British history.

Through tears, he spoke about the last time he saw Queen Elizabeth in June 2022. They were at Windsor Castle for the start of the lighting of 3,000 beacons around the world to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. She died three months later.

"I'd have picked her up and given her a big hug, because the last thing she said, I’ll never forget it. She just looked up at me with her beautiful eyes and said, 'Thank you'," he said.

'Abandoned as a young child'

Bruno Peek and his brother George spent time in a children's home before being adopted

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Sepia-coloured photo of two young boys with pale coloured hair. One smiles while the other looks pensive and has a finger in his mouth. — Bruno Peek and his brother George spent time in a children's home before being adopted

Mr Peek was born to a Polish couple but was abandoned with his identical twin brother on the steps of King's Lynn's police station, aged 14 months.

After spending time in a children's home in Lowestoft, in Suffolk, they were both adopted by a couple from neighbouring Gorleston.

He left school with no qualifications, but due to his work, he was awarded an OBE and was decorated as a member, lieutenant, and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

He said: "A lad from Great Yarmouth awarded three honours from a Royal Family in one lifetime, I’m very proud of that."

He added he had accepted the accolades not just for his hometown, but "also for the people who have helped me over the years".

"Without them I could never have done it," he said.

Bruno Peek believes the time is right to retire after suffering ill-health over recent years

Shaun Whitmore/BBC A man with thick white hair is seated on a wicker chair and smiles. He is wearing a very pale blue collarless shirt. Behind him, there are more wicker chairs, a large ornate white mantlepiece, a plant with a red flower and photographs on a large table. — Bruno Peek believes the time is right to retire after suffering ill-health over recent years

A history fan, Mr Peek's first role involved organising beacons across the coastline of England for the then English Tourist Board to celebrate maritime England.

The first beacon was lit on Great Yarmouth beach on New Year's Eve some 40 years ago.

'Torches to be sold for charity'

He now plans to donate his unique beacon lighting torches to Cancer Research UK.

Mr Peek hoped they would raise money for a charity close to the Royal Family's heart.

"The best charity is Cancer Research UK for obvious reasons, because of his Majesty the King and Kate. So, God willing, they’ll raise a lot of money," he said.

He added that he never became a pageant master to make money himself and has not.

"I believe God has given me a wonderful gift of pulling people together, celebrating special occasions and historic events, and that to me is worth more than money," he said.