Celebratory gun salute offered by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's birthday
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery Fires Royal Salute for HM The King's Birthday
In a grand display of tradition and ceremony, The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery performed a Royal Salute in The Green Park, London, on Thursday, marking the 74th birthday of HM King Charles III.
The event, a formal birthday salute for the monarch, began with the thunderous sound of 71 horses hauling six 13-pounder guns thundering across the grass from the Hyde Park Corner end of The Green Park. The soldiers of The King's Troop, fully trained members of the Royal Artillery, were dressed in their full regalia, donning gold braided jackets and distinctive busby hats.
The guns were brought into position beside six pre-positioned ammunition boxes, and each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at ten-second intervals, resulting in a total of forty-one shots. This traditional salute is a symbol of respect and loyalty to the monarch, a tradition that dates back centuries.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, one of the British Army's most iconic ceremonial units, is commanded by Major Luke Wadman. The unit was formed and named by King George VI in 1947. The King's Troop, along with The King's Troop, is responsible for firing Royal Salutes on Royal Anniversaries and State Occasions.
The Band of the Scots Guards provided musical accompaniment throughout the ceremony, adding an air of grandeur to the proceedings. The Gunners' precise maneuvers and the music's harmonious blend created a spectacle that was both awe-inspiring and moving.
In addition to The King's Troop, The Honourable Artillery Company also fired a celebratory Royal Salute for The King's birthday in London. Across the country, 21 Gun Salutes were fired to mark the monarch's special day.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery continues to be a significant part of British ceremonial life, a testament to the rich history and traditions of the British monarchy. The unit's members, while trained for ceremonial duties, are also fully prepared to serve operationally when duty calls.
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