Royal Gun Salute to be fired in Hillsborough to mark coronation anniversary
A Royal Gun Salute will be fired at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday May 6 to mark the third anniversary of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The traditional 21-gun salute will be fired at noon by Army Reservists from 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, who have been entrusted with one of the armed forces’ most prestigious ceremonial duties.
The reservists will fire a 21-round salute from the 105mm Light Gun. The salute consists of firing twenty-one blank rounds from three 105mm Light Guns at ten-second intervals.
206 Battery RA is the only reserve battery in Northern Ireland responsible for delivering Royal Gun Salutes.
Based in Newtownards, with a detachment in Coleraine, its soldiers are drawn from communities across Northern Ireland. This makes the Hillsborough salute a moment of shared regional pride.
The tradition of the 21-gun salute dates back hundreds of years. Originally rooted in naval custom, it has become the highest ceremonial honour, reserved for royal occasions, heads of state and major national events.
On the day, reservists will parade in No.2 Dress, adding colour and pageantry to the occasion.
Those taking part balance their military service alongside civilian careers, giving up their own time to maintain the standards required for an event of this significance.
Battery commander, Major Robinson, said: "Taking part in a Royal Gun Salute to mark the Coronation is a huge honour for our reservists.
"Our soldiers have worked extremely hard to prepare for this moment and are proud to represent both the armed forces and communities across Northern Ireland on such a historic day."