Ruth HargreavesIn Pictures: 21 Guns Of LondonA 62-gun salute to mark the birthday of the Prince of Wales in 2012. Photo by What's in Wapping.A 41-gun salute in Green Park to celebrate the birth of Prince George in 2013. Photo by Ian WylieThe Gun pub in Spitalfields. Photo by Terry MoranImperial War Museum, Lambeth. Photo by Tony AvonRear view of the guns at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth. Photo by tubbSoviet 2S3 'Akatsiya' Self Propelled Gun at Firepower: The Royal Artillery Museum. Photo by Compound EyeJe Suis Charlie grafitti, photo by psyxjawA chair made from guns at the British Museum. Photo by Matt BrownCannons in front of the Dial Arch pub, Woolwich. Photo by Duncan HarrisGreenwich cannon. Photo by helenofthewaysStreet art by Camden Lock Market in 2013. Photo by psyxjaw3D street art on Bacon Street. Photo by Stephanie SadlerA 41-gun salute to mark the birthday of the Prince of Wales in 2014. Photo by nicolas casanaCannon at Royal Arsenal Brass Foundry. Photo by shadow_in_the_waterCannon Street station. Photo by Paul Steptoe RileyOpen day 2012 at the Honourable Artillery Company. Photo by Chris2 Guns film poster at Vauxhall station. Photo by PastLondonSt John the Divine and Nelson Gardens. Photo by Andrew SmithTiles at Finsbury Park underground station. Photo by Sam HartCannon bollard by the Tower of London. Photo by roger.w800Someone showing off their guns. Tenuous link, we know. Photo by Dario
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!
