In a stirring display of pageantry and precision, the soldiers, horses, and guns of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode out from their forward mounting base at Wellington Barracks on Thursday to position their guns for the traditional Royal Salute in The Green Park, marking Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday.
The Gunners, resplendent in full dress uniform complete with gold braided jackets and distinctive busby hats, processed with solemn dignity. The guns they accompany – First World War-era 13-pounder Field Guns – are considered the Regiment’s colours and are therefore afforded ceremonial respect throughout the route.
Shortly before midday, in a dramatic and disciplined manoeuvre, 71 horses hauling six 13-pounder guns thundered across the grass from the Hyde Park Corner end of The Green Park, parallel to Constitution Hill. The guns were swiftly brought into position beside six pre-positioned ammunition boxes.
Following precise drill, the guns were detached and the horses moved to a safe holding area. On the word of command, each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at ten-second intervals. A total of forty-one shots rang out in salute, each marked by a distinctive puff of white smoke rising above the treetops – a moment of powerful symbolism and national pride.
Throughout the ceremony, musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of the Scots Guards, enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere around the salute.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is commanded by Major Luke Wadman. The unit was formed and named by King George VI, the King’s grandfather, in 1947. Today, it remains one of the British Army’s most iconic ceremonial units, charged with firing Royal Salutes on Royal Anniversaries and State Occasions – including State Visits, Royal birthdays, and military funerals.
Though world-renowned for their ceremonial excellence, the soldiers of The King’s Troop are also fully trained members of the Royal Artillery. Permanently based in Woolwich, they stand ready to serve operationally in support of UK military operations when duty calls.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery once again demonstrated its unique role in upholding British tradition, military precision, and national honour on this celebratory occasion.
