York has celebrated the Queen’s accession to the throne with a bang. Or 21 bangs to be exact.
At noon today (Monday), the British Army fired a 21-gun Royal Salute at Museum Gardens.
Queen Elizabeth II became the sovereign 70 years ago, on 6 February 1952, when she was aged just 25, following the death of her father, George VI.
There are 13 saluting stations across the UK and Gibraltar, but York is the sole representative in the North of England. The City was granted the honour in 1971 to mark the 1900th anniversary of its founding, and takes part in six salutes every year.
Music today was provided by The British Army Band Catterick, who marched from Duncombe Place in York city centre to the park.
The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery from Newcastle fired the three light guns. These fired blank shells towards the St Mary’s Abbey ruins, rather than across the river as in previous salutes.
After the last gun fell silent, the band played the national anthem. Then the troops were inspected.
The inspecting officer was Colonel Michael Taylor, Chinook Team Leader, with Colonel Nigel Rhodes, Deputy Commander 4 Brigade, also in attendance.
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