Gun salutes accorded to mark Prince Philip's demise

COLOMBO (News1st): Gun salutes to mark the demise of Prince Philip were held across the UK, in Gibraltar and from warships at sea from 4:30 pm Sri Lankan time today. Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at the age of 99 yesterday. He was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. UK's defence ministry said that saluting batteries fired one round every minute for 40 minutes in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. The salutes were broadcast online and on TV, with the public being encouraged to observe them from home. Meanwhile, A 41-gun salute was held outside Canberra's Parliament House in Australia today in honour of Prince Philip. Australia's national flag was also lowered over the parliament building to mark the nation's sadness over his death. In London, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery used the same guns that were fired for the wedding of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II in 1947, and at The Queen’s Coronation in 1953. People across the UK were asked not to gather in crowds or to lay flowers at royal palaces due to distancing guidelines imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19. Issuing a statement, the College of Arms said that the Duke of Edinburgh will not have a state funeral and there will be no lying-in-state, in line with his wishes. Final details of the duke's funeral are expected to be released this weekend.