The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode through the streets of Woolwich on Saturday before a sombre gun salute was carried out in south east London to mark the passing of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
Firing once a minute from 12 noon on Saturday, April 10, salutes took place simultaneously across the UK, from Edinburgh Caste to the Tower of London.
41-gun salutes given across the UK on Saturday, in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Army.MOD
And in south east London, the King's Troop and their 71 horses rode out from the stables at George VI Lines just before midday.
Dozens of pictures and videos taken by local residents showed the horses and riders marching through Woolwich, with the area receiving a national spotlight for the day.
Our mayor @CllrLindaBird attended the barracks to witness the @KingsTroopRHA gun salute at midday to mark the passing of HRH Prince Phillip - very moving scenes in #woolwich @Royal_Greenwich pic.twitter.com/V9id9Wpkv4
— Dan Thorpe (@DanLThorpe) April 10, 2021
Commanding Officer of the King's Troop RHA Major Victoria Flood said: “It is a privilege for all those from The King’s Troop to be commemorating the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.
"It is a responsibility we do not hold lightly and one that is an honour.”
Extremely proud that Woolwich Barracks was given this honour and fitting that the guns used this morning were those that fired at the Duke of Edinburgh's wedding to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and at the Queen’s coronation in 1953. https://t.co/mmJ0cdhzQD
— Matthew Pennycook MP (@mtpennycook) April 10, 2021
After reaching Woolwich Barracks, the troop set up six First World War era 13-pound guns on the parade square at the Royal Artillery Barracks.
41-gun salutes given across the UK on Saturday, in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Army.MOD
In a poignant touch, they used the same guns that were fired for Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Wedding in 1947, and at The Queen’s Coronation in 1953.
WO2 Darren Connor, Battery Sergeant Major, Honourable Artillery Company, said: “The team always take a lot of pride in doing the gun salutes.
"It’s a Regimental tasking so as the Battery is part of the Regiment, we take pride in representing the Regiment.”
Dmr Frank May, A Battery, Honourable Artillery Company, was doing his first gun salute nearby at the Tower of London.
41-gun salutes given across the UK on Saturday, in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Army.MOD
He said: “Slightly nervous, but confident. We have been trained well and I’m honoured to be part of it. It’s a sad occasion, obviously, but I hope we can do it justice and I feel like we can.
41-gun salutes took place at the same time at Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff Castle and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland in what were described as "quiet and solemn events."
41-gun salutes given across the UK on Saturday, in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Army.MOD
Scaled back due to Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, troops paid their respects on behalf of the country to Britain's longest-ever serving consort.
41-gun salutes given across the UK on Saturday, in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Army.MOD
The Duke of Edinburgh saw active service in World War Two, and his military service continued through his many honorary commands throughout his life.
The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, paid tribute to his Royal Highness, saying: “We deeply regret his passing, but we will remember him with respect, admiration and gratitude.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was a constant supporter and ambassador of the armed forces.
"We celebrate his life of service and offer our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family."
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