Mini cannons fired to mark King's birthday

Crowds braved the wet weather to watch the spectacle in Windsor

An annual 21-gun salute to mark King Charles' 77th birthday has been held outside Windsor Castle.

Mini cannons, each measuring 1ft (30cm), were lined along the Long Walk outside the castle on Friday morning.

It was one of several events around the country marking the day, which the King is spending in South Wales.

Children and other residents were joined by one of Windsor's centenarians to take part in the long-standing tradition.

Sheila Levene said she was honoured to have been chosen to take part

Sheila Levene said she had "no idea what it was going to be like" but was surprised by just how loud the mini cannons were.

"I was so surprised when I saw the size of them. They are very loud - that's why I had to take my hearing aid out," she said.

"[I had] A marvellous time, all my family are here. It was lovely to see them all. I was so surprised [to be chosen], it was a great honour."

Chris Brown, the town crier for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, said although the cannons are "a bit smaller than you might expect…they make a heck of a lot of noise".

He added: "They pack an enormous punch and we punch above our weight here in the Royal Borough."

King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrated his birthday with a reception at Cyfarthfa Castle, near Merthyr Tydfil.

Guests included Gavin and Stacey writer and actress Ruth Jones, TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation.