London: Elite British troops today gave a gun salute to Prince William and Kate’s new baby princess by firing volleys to mark her birth. The gun salute involves soldiers from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery riding out in a procession from near Buckingham Palace to sound 41 shots in Hyde Park. At the same time, the Honourable Artillery Company leaves their Armoury House barracks in the City of London to fire a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London from three Ceremonial 105mm light guns.
The last gun salute was given to Prince George when he was born in July 2013. The new parents, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have not yet announced the name of their second child, who was born on Saturday.
Among the first visitors to see the new princess at Kensington Palace yesterday were her grandfather Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate’s parents – the Middletons.
“The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world.
“It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. Prince Harry, who narrowly missed the princess’ birth after returning to Australia to finish his secondment to the country’s military, said his new niece was “absolutely beautiful” and he could not wait to meet her.
Queen Elizabeth II is to meet her newest great granddaughter and fourth in line to the throne by the end of this week. Bookies say Charlotte and Alice have emerged as the favourite names for the princess, followed by Olivia, Victoria and Elizabeth.
The new parents remain at their Kensington Palace home and will be travelling to their country home, Anmer Hall, on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk this week.
