The Queen has vowed her visit to Woolwich Barracks will still go ahead next week, despite yesterday’s (22.05.13) murder of a soldier near the south east London military base.


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The 87-year-old monarch was said to be “concerned” yesterday (22.05.13) following the shocking incident in which two men carried out a savage attack on the unnamed soldier.

However, royal representatives insisted she has no plans to cancel her visit to the site, as her visit to the King’s Troop Royal Artillery has been planned for months.

The mounted unit relocated to Woolwich in February 2011 after previously being based in St. John’s Wood, since its inception 65 years ago.

The King’s Troop Royal Artillery was created by the Queen’s father, King George VI, and takes part in the great ceremonies of state.

Its duties include firing royal salutes on major anniversaries. It also provides a gun carriage and horses for state and military funerals.

Royal officials say the Queen is being kept informed of developments in Woolwich after news first broke of the incident when she was preparing to host the first Buckingham Palace garden party of 2013.