|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
royal salute
|
|
The firing of cannon on ceremonial occasions, such as the arrival of visiting heads of state, the state opening of parliament or certain royal anniversaries. The number of rounds fired varies according to the place and occasion; 21 is the minimum but a further 20 are added if the guns are in a royal park. In central London salutes are fired either in Hyde Park or Green Park (both of them royal), and the operation is carried out by the *King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery. They provide a colourful spectacle as they gallop into action, wearing braided uniform in the style of the *Crimean War and with teams of six horses dragging 13-pounder field guns from *World War I.
|
|
|
|