King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery

A QF 13-pounder being fired in Green Park.

Anyone that has visited London while it is celebrating a Royal birthday, wedding, celebration or state visit, will no doubt have seen, if not heard, cannon being fired from one of the Royal Parks, HM Palace and Fortress at the Tower of London or another special site.

The gun salute is a ceremonial duty performed by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who were created to perform this role, among other things, by King George VI.

The King's Troop on Constitution Hill waiting to enter Green Park.

One of the most accessible places to view the gun salute is in Green Park, which allows you to see the Troop on Constitution Hill and then follow them charging in to Green Park and setting up.

Preparing to fire the first shot of the gun salute.

If you ever get the chance to witness a gun salute... take it.

State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

 

Farewell, your Majesty.

Monday September 19, 2022.

I was unable, due to working and other responsibilities, to visit HM Queen Elizabeth II as she lay-in-state, so I made sure that I would be able to visit London on the day of her funeral.

With Erin and Keilyn up and ready, early, we headed off to catch a train to London. Changing from the Metropolitan line to the Jubilee line, at Finchley Road, we arrived at Green Park station at 09:30 and followed the crowds towards Hyde Park.

The stewards directed the crowds along Piccadilly and up Clarges Street to Curzon Street and up South Audley Street and onto Stanhope Gate. We then walked along Park Lane until we crossed the road and entered Hyde Park.

Giant TV screens in Hyde Park.

Not wanting to sit in front of the giant TV screens, that had been erected, we headed south towards Hyde Park Corner. This area was already full, so, turning west, I led the girls along South Carriage Drive until we were opposite the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment barracks. With few people in this area we took up position by the barriers and waited. It was 10:36.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment barracks.

At 10:48 the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment left the barracks and headed towards Westminster, our position providing the perfect location from which to watch.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment head off to perform their duties.

Then, at 11:36, the King's Troop Royal Artillery passed us, heading to a section of sealed off park from where the gun salute would be fired.

King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on their way to perform the gun salute.

With rucksacks full of food, snacks and drinks we had a small picnic as we waited for the procession. With toilets directly behind us and water filling stations situated quite close, everything we needed was in close proximity.

Royal Gun Salute

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, in Green Park.

A Royal Gun Salute is fired on numerous occasions, throughout the year, and is a marvel of horsemanship, skill and military discipline.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, waiting to enter Green Park.

All of the salutes, that I have witnessed, have taken place in Green Park, but I hope to see one at the one of the other locations, at some point in the future.