According to The British Monarchy:
Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on shore and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome.
Just as a salute with the open hand was used historically to show that no weapon was concealed in the palm, so the firing of cannon as a salute indicated the friendly intent of an empty chamber.
Today gun salutes mark special occasions on certain days of the year, many of them with Royal associations.
The number of rounds fired in a Royal salute depends on the place and occasion.
To read the entire article on The British Monarchy, please click here.
