The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that there will be a gun salutes marking the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. This will take place across the UK and at sea today with saluting batteries firing 41 rounds at one round every minute from 12 noon in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
With the public being encouraged to observe the gun salutes online or on television, rather than gather in crowds to watch outside, it falls in line with the plans for a pared-back funeral due to Covid restrictions. In London, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will ride out from their base at Napier Lines, Woolwich Barracks, onto the Parade Ground.
On the 12.00 GMT gun salute, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:Bottom of Form “His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was a constant supporter and ambassador of the armed forces.
“We celebrate his life of service and offer our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family.” The gun salute will act as the military’s tribute to the duke.
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter said the duke had been devoted to the armed forces after his own years in the Royal Navy. He said: “His Royal Highness has been a great friend, inspiration and role model for the armed forces and he will be sorely missed.
“A life well lived, His Royal Highness leaves us with a legacy of indomitable spirit, steadfastness and an unshakeable sense of duty. From all of us who serve today and who have served, thank you.”
The Honourable Artillery Company will fire a salute at the Tower of London, the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery will fire from Cardiff Castle, and the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery will fire at Hillsborough Castle, Belfast and Edinburgh Castle.
Ships taking part include the HMS Diamond, HMS Montrose and HMNB Portsmouth, while the Royal Gibraltar Regiment will join the salute from the British overseas territory.
