Blasting out a salute to the Queen’s 60 glorious years

A 21-GUN salute has been fired at Edinburgh Castle to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

Gunners from 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) fired the salute yesterday after marching to the Mills Mount Battery. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Huthwaite said the troops were “honoured” to take part.

Elsewhere, the saluting gun at Fort Blockhouse in Gosport, Hampshire – at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour – was fired at noon by four specialist gunnery instructors.

The custom of navy gun salutes dates back to the early days of sail, when ships visiting foreign ports would discharge their guns before entering, proving they were empty and that the visit was peaceful.

In London’s Hyde Park, a 41-gun salute was fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The basic salute is 21 rounds, with an extra 20 rounds added because it is a royal park.

In York, a 21-gun salute took place in the Museum Gardens, but weather-related problems forced a march through the city to be cut short.