Royal Gun Salutes mark special royal occasions. On these days salutes are fired from locations in London and other authorised stations in the United Kingdom and the Union flag is hoisted on government buildings.
In London, salutes are fired in Hyde Park by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at The Tower of London however, on State Visits, at the State Opening of Parliament and for The Queen's Birthday Parade, The Green Park is used instead of Hyde Park.
The number of rounds fired in a Royal Gun Salute depends on the place and occasion. The basic salute is 21 rounds. In Hyde Park and The Green Park an extra 20 rounds are added because they are a Royal Park.
Gun salutes are usually fired at midday (unless otherwise stated below). Salutes are not fired on Sundays, so if the date falls on a Sunday, the salute will take place the next day.
For press accreditation you must contact the Ministry of Defence in advance via ArmyACGS-AMC-LONDIST-Clk1@mod.uk
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6 February | Accession Day Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne | The Green Park |
| 21 April | The Queen's Birthday | Hyde Park |
| June (No state opening in 2018) | The State Opening of Parliament A 41 Gun Royal Salute will be fired at 11:08 am. | The Green Park |
| 2 June | Coronation Day Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's coronation | The Green Park |
| 9 June | The Queen's Official Birthday It has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday publicly on a day in the summer. Fired at 12:52 pm. | The Green Park |
| 11 June | The Duke of Edinburgh's Birthday | Hyde Park |
| 14 November | The Prince of Wales' Birthday | The Green Park |
| November | Remembrance Sunday A two gun salute will be fired on Horse Guards Parade, one at the start of the two minutes silence at 11:00am and one at the end at 11:02am. | Horse Guards Parade |
| April / July / November | London State Visits For London state visits a 41 gun Royal Salute will be fired. Timings vary. | The Green Park |