Military fires gun salutes across UK to mark first anniversary of King's accession

The anniversary of the King's accession to the throne has been marked by Royal gun salutes across the UK by the Armed Forces.

Gun salutes were fired in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Hillsborough Castle to mark Accession Day.

Almost all the King's Troop soldiers and horses that had played a role in the final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II a year ago at the state funeral, and the proclamation salutes signifying the new reign, took part in Friday's ceremonies in the King's honour.

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Captain Amy Cooper, who was the lead rider in the procession that carried the late Queen's coffin to lie in state in Westminster Hall, gave the order for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to begin its 41-gun salute at midday from London's Hyde Park.

The King's Troop rode out from Wellington Barracks in their distinctive dress uniform of gold braided jackets and busby hats and were accompanied by the Band of the Grenadier Guards.

Meanwhile, there was a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle.

A 62-gun salute was fired at 1pm at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

Other gun salutes marked the occasion at military bases including a Royal salute at HMS Drake in Devonport, Plymouth, at midday.

At Hillsborough Castle, a 21-gun salute was fired by Army reservists from 206 (Ulster) Battery, 105 Royal Artillery.

The Battery was also responsible for firing the Death Gun salute to mark the passing of the Queen one year ago and, the following day, the Proclamation salute to mark the new reign.

Colonel Matt Wills, the Assistant Commander of the 38 Irish Brigade and the Northern Ireland garrison, said the day was one of mixed emotions.

"We're happy and excited because it's an anniversary of the accession of our new King, but at the same time an accession usually follows a death and so it was only 12 months ago that we lost the late Queen, which probably is still affecting all of us," he said.

The event in Royal Hillsborough also marked the formation of a new regiment in Northern Ireland. The 253 (North Irish) Medical Regiment and 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital have amalgamated to form 210 (North Irish) Multi-Role Medical Regiment, 210 (NI) MMR.

The King and Queen also paid a personal tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth on the first anniversary of her death with a private church service.

Charles and Camilla attended a private service at Crathie Church, close to Balmoral Castle, for private prayers and a moment of reflection on the life of the late monarch.

The couple then made their way over to speak to well-wishers gathered close to the church, who included Balmoral Estate staff, members of the royal household and the public.