It was a moment that could have seriously ruffled some feathers.
But soldiers from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery were prepared to take that risk in the name of saving a Mallard duck and her six ducklings which had waddled too close towards an impending gun salute.
No less than 41 guns were being prepared to mark the third anniversary of King Charles III‘s and Queen Camilla‘s Coronation in Hyde Park, London, on Wednesday.
But first the ducks had to be gently ushered away from the area to ensure their safety.
At midday, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a Royal Salute, followed by The Honourable Artillery Company under the watchful eye of Princess Anne.
Both regiments also took part in the Coronation Day salutes in 2023, firing at the exact moment the Crown was placed on The King’s head at Westminster Abbey.
Duck and cover: Kindly soldiers usher the Mallard duck and her ducklings away from the impending gun salute in Hyde Park
The ducks waddled close to where a special Royal Salute was being fired to mark King Charles’ third anniversary since becoming King
Quacking performance: The special gun salute took place in Hyde Park, London
