We wouldn't usually bring guns and celebration together, but we're making an exception today for the Queen's 89th birthday.
Each of the 21 photos above represent a round in the basic Royal salute. A further 20 rounds are fired at royal parks, palaces and fortresses, while yet another 21 rounds are fired for being in the City of London. That means that today, after passing Buckingham Palace at midday, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will stage a 41-gun royal salute in Hyde Park and an hour later, the Honorourable Artillery company will fire a 62-gun royal salute from the bank of the Thames next to the Tower of London.
It's certainly an interesting alternative to blowing out candles. Happy Birthday!