Military gun salutes were fired at two locations in central London on Saturday to mark the 78th birthday of British monarch King Charles III.
The ceremonial tributes took place in Green Park and at the Tower of London, with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing a 41-gun salute at noon, followed by a 62-gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company at 1pm.
The ceremonies attracted royal enthusiasts and members of the public who gathered to witness the military honours in celebration of the monarch’s birthday.
The Royal Family’s official website stated, “In the parks, The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery fires the salute, the first round usually being fired at noon.
The salute at the Tower of London is fired from four twenty-five pounder guns located on Tower Wharf facing the River Thames, by the Honourable Artillery Company at 1pm.”
At the Tower of London, the 62 rounds were fired from four 25-pounder guns positioned on Tower Wharf, overlooking the River Thames.
Members of the public were allowed to watch from designated viewing areas, although access to parts of the Wharf was restricted during preparations and the firing.
Gun salutes are a longstanding British royal tradition used to commemorate significant occasions, including royal birthdays, anniversaries and other important events involving the monarchy.
Explaining the historical significance of the tradition, the Royal Family said, “Just as an open hand salute was used historically to demonstrate that no weapon was being held, a gun salute indicated the friendly intent of an empty ammunition chamber.”
The monarch’s birthday is among several royal occasions marked by ceremonial gunfire across London and other parts of the United Kingdom.
Other occasions include Coronation Day, the King’s official birthday celebrations and Accession Day.
