The UK pays Tribute to Prince Philip with Cannon Salutes

Cannon salutes in some of the main cities of the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and British military ships on the high seas pay tribute this Saturday to Prince Felipe, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday at 99 years.

Starting at 11.00 GMT, 41 series of salvoes will be fired in locations such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as from the destroyers HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose, the Defense Ministry detailed.

The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of the British sovereign for 73 years, served in the British Royal Navy during World War II and held the ceremonial position of Lord Grand Admiral at the head of that body.

The Chief Admiral of the Navy, Tony Radakin, praised today in a statement the “genuine empathy” and “appreciation” that the Duke showed for that branch of the Army.

“His generous spirit, his appreciation for all aspects of naval service, and his deep understanding of our values, standards, and ‘ethos’ made him a close friend to the service for more than eight decades,” he stated.

The body of Philip of Edinburgh will remain at Windsor Castle, the royal family’s residence near London, until his funeral is held in the adjacent St George’s Chapel, the date of which has yet to be announced.

In line with the wishes expressed by the duke, it will not be a state ceremony and will not be preceded by a public wake.

The restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic have led the British Government and Buckingham Palace to ask citizens not to gather in front of the royal residences to leave flowers and pay tribute to the prince.