Royal Navy marks The Queen’s sapphire jubilee with 21-gun salute

The Royal Navy saluted The Queen for her Sapphire Jubilee with a 21-gun salute in Portsmouth.

The Queen made history this year by becoming the first British monarch to reach their Sapphire Jubilee after her 65-year reign.

Manning the guns at South Railway Jetty, overlooking the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, was a specialist team led by Warrant Officer 1 Lee Hendricks.

Together with six of his staff, they fired off the 21-gun salute to the delight of members of the public who had gathered on the deck of HMS Warrior nearby.

“This was my first time firing the guns for a Royal Salute,” said Able Seaman Gunner Carl Murray, from HMS Collingwood’s close range section.

“It’s a very proud moment for me to be part of this historic occasion and I will remember it for a long time to come.”

The custom of Royal Navy gun salutes dates back to the early days of sail when ships visiting foreign ports would discharge their guns before entering, proving they were empty and that the visit was peaceful.