UK to Skip Gun Salute for Queen's Birthday Next Week... "Inappropriate Given Current Situation"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The British royal family has announced that they will not hold a gun salute or any other commemorative events for Queen Elizabeth II's birthday next week. This decision was made considering it inappropriate amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to foreign media including the BBC on the 18th (local time), Buckingham Palace stated that there will be no gun salute or other commemorative events on the 21st, the Queen's 94th birthday. The Queen decided to cancel the events, judging that a gun salute or commemorative events would be inappropriate given the widespread spread of COVID-19 this year. Buckingham Palace also announced that the Queen's birthday will not be celebrated in any special way, and that communications between the Queen and her family will not be disclosed.

The BBC reported that this is the first time during her 68-year reign that the gun salute for the Queen's birthday has been canceled. Earlier, Buckingham Palace had also announced that the Trooping the Colour, the official parade by the Household Cavalry to celebrate the Queen's official birthday in June, would not be held. Buckingham Palace explained that this was in accordance with government guidelines recommending 'social distancing' and that they are considering other alternatives. It is known that the Queen is currently staying at Windsor Castle near London as COVID-19 spreads throughout the UK.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.