WEST SALUTES THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
A GUN salute sounded across Plymouth at the weekend to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Gun salutes took place on land, on sea, in the capitals of the four nations, in Royal Navy bases at Devonport and Portsmouth and in Gibraltar.
As well as marking Prince Philip’s death it was a moment to remember his military service, active service in the Second World War and honorary commands for many decades after it.
Saluting batteries fired 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday in Plymouth and London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Royal Navy ships at sea, including HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose, fired the salute in honour of the Duke, who served as a Royal Navy officer during the war and held the office of Lord High Admiral.
First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the most senior officer in the Royal Navy, praised the duke’s “empathy, affection and engagement” with the fleet.
“His deep understanding of our values, standards and ethos made him such a close friend to the service for over eight decades,” he said.
Similar salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.
This Saturday a national minute’s silence will be observed at the start of Prince Philip’s funeral. The ceremonial royal funeral, abiding by his wishes, will take place on April 17 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. A national minute’s silence will be observed as it begins at 3pm.