Gun salute rings out over Edinburgh Castle to mark King's accession
Twenty-one blank rounds were fired from the battlements to celebrate the King’s accession
Army personnel have marked the fourth anniversary of the King's accession to the throne by firing a 21-gun salute from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle.
The midday salute was perfectly timed to coincide with similar ceremonies across the capitals of the four nations, four years on from the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral.
Proceedings were opened by the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s military band, who performed a procession around the castle grounds featuring an Abba medley for onlooking tourists.
Personnel from the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery then fired 21 blank rounds from three artillery cannons. The military honour dates back to 1603, when James VI united the crowns of England and Scotland.
Ahead of the 12 noon ceremony, members of the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, took up castle guard.
The band played a mix of traditional and modern tunes, with Scotland the Brave and God Save the King joined by Beyonce’s Crazy in Love. They were supported by a solo piper from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
While the salute traditionally consists of 21 rounds, a 41-gun salute lasting 41 minutes took place at the castle in 2021 to honour the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Following tradition, the reviewing officer, retired Major General Tim Hyams, watched over proceedings alongside the castle’s governor, Major General Bob Bruce.
Major General Hyams, chief executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, said it was “an honour” to take on the role.
He said: “Today’s salute at Edinburgh Castle brings together soldiers to perform precise ceremonial duties that take a great deal of practice and teamwork, keeping Scotland’s rich military traditions alive for future generations.
“Ceremonial occasions like today’s are part of the nation’s traditions and a reminder of the long and unbroken history of the British monarchy. Accession Day provides the opportunity to show support for the monarch and wish them a long and prosperous reign.”