The Conversation (0)
Liam O'Dell
Apr 10, 2021
Prince Philip will be commemorated with a 41-gun salute later today, after the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday aged 99.
The Queen expressed her “deep sorrow” at the news, while government buildings have lowered flags to half-mast in response to the announcement.
In an announcement shared on social media yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said: “The Armed Forces will pay tribute to His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with Gun Salutes across the country tomorrow.”
So what do we know about the tribute, when exactly will the salutes take place and how can you tune in?
Here’s everything you need to know...
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What is a gun salute?
Considered a sign of respect, a gun salute takes place “on special days, such as anniversaries and birthdays”, according to the Royal Family’s website.
“Royal salutes are fired from various locations in London and across the UK. In London, salutes are fired from the Tower of London, and also either Hyde Park or Green Park, depending upon the occasion,” it reads.
Hyde Park and Green Park are additional locations for gun salutes as they are both Royal Parks.
When will the ceremony take place, and for how long?
Tributes will take place at midday, UK time, and will see 41 rounds fired at a rate of one round a minute.
Where will they take place?
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that shots will be fired in London, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Salutes will also take place in Gibraltar, which is a British Overseas Territory on the Spanish coast, and on royal ships at sea.
In the English capital, it will take place at the Tower of London and Woolwich Barracks, while ceremonies in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh will take place at Hillsborough Castle, Cardiff Castle and Edinburgh Castle respectively.
Chris Ship, ITV’s royal editor, reported that the guns at Woolwich Barracks will be the same guns use to commemorate his wedding to Elizabeth in 1947, and the Queen’s coronation six years later, in 1953.
Naval bases in Devonport and Portsmouth will also fire rounds, as will ships HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose.
Where can I watch the gun salutes?
Taking place “behind closed doors”, the public are encouraged to watch the salutes from home – be it online or on TV.
Both the BBC and ITV are due to air special programmes broadcasting the event later today.