UK: Royal Navy Celebrates Royal Birth

The Armed Forces are celebrating the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s child in fine style across the world.

As is customary with the birth of a British Prince, Royal Salutes will be fired across the capital.

In Green Park, members of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a 41 Gun Royal Salute from their 13 Pounder Quick Fire Guns which were all used in action in the First World War.

The Guns will be pulled into action by teams of six horses. Over at Tower Wharf in front of HM Tower of London, the Honourable Artillery Company, an Army Reserve Unit and the oldest in the British Army, will fire 62 rounds over the River Thames to mark the happy occasion.

Major Mark Edward, Commanding Officer of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said:

“The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41 Gun Royal Salute, comes as a huge honour for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.”

Celebrations are not confined to London however, as all of Her Majesty’s Ships – in home or international waters – are flying the Royal Navy Ensign from their Main Mast to mark the birth of the Prince.

Ensigns were proudly flown by HMS Kent, on operations in the Middle East, and HMS Lancaster, currently deployed on Atlantic Patrol Task (North) in the Caribbean.

The Ships’ companies added their own special congratulatory message to The Duke and Duchess spelling out “It’s A Boy!” on the deck of the Ship.

HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse said:

“As ‘The Queen’s Frigate’ we were particularly delighted to hear the fantastic news of the Royal birth and everybody on board HMS Lancaster sends their warmest congratulations and best wishes to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.”

RAF Valley, the RAF Station where Prince William serves as a Search and Rescue pilot were among the first to offer official congratulations.

Led by the Station Commander Group Captain Adrian Hill, and Search and Rescue Commander Group Captain Sara Mackmin, staff from RAF Valley sent a congratulatory message to Flight Lieutenant Wales and The Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child.

Group Captain Hill said:

“We’re all delighted to learn that Flight Lieutenant Wales, and The Duchess of Cambridge are now proud parents of a new born son.

“We wish them all the very best for the future. From everyone at RAF Valley, congratulations.”

Other units connected to The Duke of Cambridge have also been celebrating.

The Household Cavalry, the Army Regiment that Prince William commissioned into from Sandhurst, celebrated the birth in Afghanistan where elements are currently deployed.

A toast was also raised back in the UK by the Mounted Regiment which is currently on exercise with their horses in Norfolk.

Prince William is also Colonel of the Irish Guards, and he and the Duchess of Cambridge visited the Battalion just after their wedding in 2011 to present medals for Operation Herrick 13.

On St Patrick’s Day 2012 and 2013, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge did them the honour of presenting shamrock to all ranks, a role carried out for many years by a female member of the Royal family.

At the news of the Royal birth, the Irish Guards celebrated in their own unique way at their barracks at Aldershot and in bases in London, toasting the Royal baby with a traditional glass of Irish Stout. Their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Boanas said:

“On behalf of all ranks 1st Battalion Irish Guards, I send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Colonel of the Regiment and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge on the occasion of the birth of their son, with the heartfelt hope that he has a long and happy life.

“Quis Separabit.”

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Press Release, July 24, 2013; Image: Royal Navy