Gun salutes planned across UK to mark the death of Prince Phillip

Gun salutes to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh are due to take place on Saturday across the UK, in Gibraltar and from warships at sea, the BBC reported.

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband of 73 years, died on Friday at the age of 99.

BBC reported that saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute from 12:00 noon UK time in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the Ministry of Defence said.

Royal Navy ships at sea, including HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose, will also fire the salute in honour of the duke, who served as a naval officer during World War Two and held the office of Lord High Admiral.

Announcing the duke’s death on Friday, Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Reflecting on Prince Philip’s life for a BBC programme, the Prince of Wales described his father’s life as an “astonishing achievement”.

Similar salutes were fired to mark the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.

BBC reported that final details of the duke’s funeral are also expected to be released this weekend.

The funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, but the arrangements have been amended in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the College of Arms said in a statement.