Long live the wings! Soldier ushers ducks away from line of fire as gun salute marks three years since King Charles’s coronation
It was a moment that could seriously ruffle some feathers.
But soldiers of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery were prepared to take the risk to save a mallard duck and its six ducklings as they waddled towards the approaching gun salute.
King Henry III in London’s Hyde Park on Wednesday. At least 41 guns were being prepared to mark the third anniversary of the coronation of Charles and Queen Camilla.
However, first the ducks had to be gently removed from the area to ensure their safety.
At noon, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery gave the Royal Salute, followed by the Honorable Company of Artillery, under the supervision of Princess Anne.
Both regiments took part in Coronation Day salutes in 2023, with shots fired at Westminster Abbey as the Crown was placed on the King’s head.
Duck and duck: Gentle soldiers guide a mallard duck and its chicks away from an upcoming gun salute in Hyde Park
The ducks were waddling close to where the special Royal Salute was held to mark the third anniversary since King Charles became King.
Shocking performance: Special gun salute took place in London’s Hyde Park
