How long does it take to sing the National Anthem? Well, I suppose that it depends upon whether or not you sing all 6 verses – although just the first verse is usually sung. However, it was today, 9th February back in 1909 that it lasted nearly an hour! 
King Edward VII – a rather portly gentleman, to say the least – was on a state visit to Germany and a military band was waiting for him on the platform of Rathenau Station, Brandenburg. As the train pulled in, they struck up the National Anthem. However, the King was not ready – he was struggling to get into his uniform. Rather than leave an embarrassing pause, the band struck up the anthem again… and again… and again…
By the time that the King finally emerged, the exhausted bandsmen were playing it for the 17th time – earning them a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
King Edward VII – a rather portly gentleman, to say the least – was on a state visit to Germany and a military band was waiting for him on the platform of Rathenau Station, Brandenburg. As the train pulled in, they struck up the National Anthem. However, the King was not ready – he was struggling to get into his uniform. Rather than leave an embarrassing pause, the band struck up the anthem again… and again… and again…
By the time that the King finally emerged, the exhausted bandsmen were playing it for the 17th time – earning them a place in the Guinness Book of Records.