All British monarchs have been given the option of having two birthdays since 1748.
That’s chiefly for those sovereigns who were not born during the summer months, when there is the likelihood of better weather for a birthday parade. Although that’s never a guarantee in Britain…
Before the salute, people in York city centre were treated to a musical procession by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who marched from Duncombe Place, near York Minster, to Museum Gardens.
On the stroke of noon, three 105mm Light Guns were fired by soldiers of 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery – an Army Reserve regiment with sub-units based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Blyth, South Shields and Leeds.
The deputy commander of 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East, Colonel Mike Butterwick, accompanied Susan Cunliffe-Lister, Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, as she inspected the Saluting Troop.