The Queen visits the Honourable Artillery Company

The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated by a Royal Charter of Henry VIII on 25 August 1537. The Charter describes its purpose as being "for the better defence of this realm and maintenance of the science of artillery."

The Company now has 2,500 members, 400 of whom are active members of the Army Reserve, some are members of the City of London Police Special Constabulary, and those remaining form the Veteran Company.

On arrival The Queen was greeted by the Colonel Commandant, General Sir Richard Barrons; HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Royal Honorary Colonel; and HRH Princess Michael of Kent.

The Queen unveiled a bronze bust commissioned to celebrate Her Majesty's time as the longest serving Captain-General and sign the ancient Vellum Book.

Captain-Generals have always been members of the Royal Family, and most recently the reigning Monarch. In 2016 the Company is marking the fact that The Queen has become the longest serving Captain-General, surpassing King George IV on 22nd May 2016.