Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Minister of Defense, recently welcomed English musician James Blunt, who performed in Hungary on March 5.
The Minister’s attendance at the concert in the MVM Dome wasn’t solely for the music; it was also because Blunt, the songwriter of the hit “You’re Beautiful,” is a former soldier himself, as reported by honvedelem.hu.
Born into a military family with a long tradition of military service, Blunt’s father was a pilot in the British Royal Air Force. This upbringing, combined with his musical talent, shaped his life.
James Blunt served in the British Army for four years before pursuing his musical career.
After graduating from the prestigious Sandhurst Royal Military Academy as an officer in 1997, Blunt spent significant time serving in Kosovo as part of NATO’s peacekeeping force. He played a crucial role during a conflict between NATO and the Russians, showcasing his leadership abilities.
He was also a member of the Royal Horse Guards, where he served as a bodyguard to Queen Elizabeth II. He participated as part of the Guard of Honor, standing at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in April 2002.
Fact
Blunt wrote his first songs while serving in Kosovo and began his musical career after his discharge in 2002. His breakthrough came in 2004 with the chart-topping “You’re Beautiful.”
This was not Blunt’s first visit to Hungary, and his recent concert marked the release of his single “Who We Used To Be,” representing a new chapter in his career.