Cadets are guests of the King’s Troop for the Queen’s birthday salute

Members of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) attended the annual 41-gun salute in Hyde Park on Thursday (21 April), which marked the 96th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

A total of 14 Lower Sixth cadets, representing all three sections of the CCF, had the honour of being hosted as guests of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. They enjoyed a close-up display of ceremonial firing, as 41 rounds were discharged from six guns at 10-second intervals, starting at midday.

Following the conclusion of the salute, the cadets travelled to the Tower of London to visit the Headquarters of Tonbridge School CCF’s parent unit, The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.

Here, they received a fascinating briefing on the history and role of the regiment from Regimental Secretary Col John Powell, followed by some free time to explore the Tower itself.

Sqn Ldr Stefan Hargreaves, Contingent Commander, said: “We were incredibly honoured to have been invited to attend this powerful ceremonial display by the King’s Troop. Our thanks go to Regimental Adjutant Capt Marc Odell, and Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Iain Richie, for extending such a generous invitation, and for welcoming the cadets into their VIP area to view the salute at remarkably close quarters.

“To be able to visit our parent unit at the Tower in the afternoon capped off a truly memorable day for the cadets.”