Queen's death marked by gun salutes as UK pays spine-tingling tribute
dailystar.co.ukREAD MORE: Vladimir Putin to 'snub' Queen's funeral as attendance 'not being considered' by KremlinSome 71 horses have made their way there, 36 of which were used to pull pull six First World War-era 13-pounder Field Guns into position.The Honourable Artillery Company - the oldest regiment in the British Army - are simultaneously firing the Death Gun Salute at the Tower of London.The regiment dates back to 1537 and took over firing gun salutes at the Tower in 1924.Other gun salutes are taking place in several locations including Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Hillsborough Castle, York, Portsmouth and Gibraltar.Gun salutes have been fired on both land and at sea throughout history as a sign of respect or welcome.
Today, they are often used to mark very special occasions or certain celebratory days associated with the Royal Family (such as birthdays, births and the state opening of Parliament).
They are also used when heads of state come to London to meet with members of the Royal Family.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. According to the MoD, the tradition of gun salutes dates back to the fifteenth century, although there are some examples from the fourteenth century too.
Similar gun salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.READ NEXT:Queen's funeral: Everything we know so far from date to business closuresPoignant moment Prince Harry consoles airport staff after Queen Elizabeth II diesKing Charles III and Queen Camilla spotted for first time after Queen's deathPolice scrambled to chippy as owner mocks Queen's death and gets egged by furious BritsQueen died before Prince.
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