Gun salutes across country to mark death of Prince Philip

From midday on Saturday, some 41 rounds will be fired at various locations across the UK – including London, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh – at a rate of one shot per minute. The same is expected to happen aboard some Royal Navy ships as a show of respect to the duke, who served as a naval officer during the second world war.

The salutes are to be broadcast live on television and online, with members of the public asked to observe them from home.

In London, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire at Napier Lines, Woolwich Barracks, with a similar salute carried out by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.

Guns will also be fired at Cardiff Castle, Hillsborough Castle in Belfast and Edinburgh Castle.

A statement on the royal website said: “The tradition of Gun Salutes being fired throughout the country to mark significant national events dates back to at least the eighteenth century, and there are historical records of salutes taking place as early as the 14th century when guns and ammunition began to be adopted more widely.

“Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.”

Prince Philip’s death was announced shortly after midday on Friday.

A statement said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”