Celebratory gunfire echoes in the salute for Queen Camilla's birthday observance
In a fitting tribute to mark her 78th birthday, Queen Camilla was honoured with a series of ceremonial gun salutes in London, led by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company. The grand occasion, which took place in Green Park and Tower Wharf, was a testament to the Queen's significant connections to the British Armed Forces.
The day's celebrations began with the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing a 41-gun salute, followed an hour later by the Honourable Artillery Company with a 62-gun salute from Tower Wharf. A total of 71 horses were used to pull six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position, adding a touch of historical pageantry to the event.
The Band of the Scots Guards, with their live music, brought a musical grandeur to the day's festivities. The band's performance served as a reminder of Queen Camilla's strong ties to the British military, dating back to her first husband, Brigadier (Retired) Andrew Parker Bowles, a British Army officer who served for 34 years.
Queen Camilla's current husband, King Charles III, is also a former Royal Navy and Royal Air Force officer, further deepening her ties to the military. Upon becoming Queen in 2022, Camilla chose Major Ollie Plunkett as her first equerry, solidifying her relationship with the Armed Forces.
In addition to her historical ties, Queen Camilla holds several honorary titles within the Armed Forces. She is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Lancers, her late father's wartime regiment, as well as the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles. She also holds the honorary title of Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Halton since 2008.
Queen Camilla's military roles have expanded in recent years. She was recently appointed as the Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, making her the first woman to hold this centuries-old honorary title first created by King Henry VIII in 1513. In this role, she serves as the sponsor of the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, and the Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service, reflecting her commitment to the health and well-being of the Royal Navy personnel.
Queen Camilla has also been the sponsor of the submarine HMS Astute since 2007, celebrating its service on the occasion of its first commission. Furthermore, she is the patron of The Royal Army Chaplains' Department and British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS), BFBS Forces News' parent charity, further highlighting her support for the Armed Forces.
The gun salutes, which marked the royal occasion in grand style, attracted crowds and added rich historic weight to the day's tributes. The HAC, founded in 1537, and the King's Troop, taking precedence over all other regiments, were integral parts of the celebrations. Queen Camilla's appointments and patronages are expected to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Royal Navy, such as recruitment, and reinforce her commitment to supporting the British Armed Forces in various capacities.
The grand occasion honoring Queen Camilla's 78th birthday, with her strong ties to the British military on display, also attracted interest from the world of entertainment. The Band of the Scots Guards, with their live music, added a touch of entertaining grandeur to the day (entertainment).
In her role as the Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, Queen Camilla has shown her dedication to the health and well-being of the Royal Navy, serving as the sponsor of HMS Prince of Wales and the Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service (health, us).
