A festive gun salute was organized in the center of London on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Report informs via TASS.
The "platinum anniversary" of the monarch was marked by 41 gun salutes in Green Park near Buckingham Palace, which were fired by the Royal Horse Artillery. They arrived from Wellington Barracks in the center of the British capital in full dress uniform, including hussar shako, with six World War I era gun carriages.
Traditionally, the royal salute consists of 21 volleys, but if it is held in royal parks, such as Green Park, the number of volleys increases to 41. On the eve of the salute, several hundred citizens gathered in the park, a concert was held with the participation of the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
Also, 62 salutes were fired from the cannons of the Tower, carried out by servicemen of the honorary artillery regiment. Additional 21 volleys were fired on the occasion of the "royal jubilee" from the cannons installed near the fortress, which is nominally "Her Majesty's Palace".
Events with the participation of the 95-year-old Elizabeth II herself are not scheduled on February 7. Various events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign will take place throughout the year, but the celebration will reach its peak in early summer, when the British will have a four-day long weekend.