Master Gunner, St James's Park

The Master Gunner (of), St James's Park is the ceremonial head of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and channel of communication between the Regiment and the Captain General (Queen Elizabeth II).

The appointment was instituted in 1678 and originally known as Master Gunner of Whitehall & St James's Park. The earlier Master Gunners were responsible for the artillery defence of Whitehall Palace and the Palace of Westminster.

The appointment of Master Gunner, St James's Park is held by a distinguished Royal Artillery Officer selected by the Queen in her capacity as Captain General, on the advice of the Colonels Commandant of the regiment and has honorary status over all other Commonwealth Artilleries.

The appointment of Master Gunner, St James's Park should not be confused with that of Master Gunner, which is an appointment of Warrant Officers.