- The team of troops from the Grenadier Guards faultlessly carry Her Majesty’s coffin into St George’s Chapel
- Five of the men were flown back to the UK from Iraq within hours of the Queen’s death being announced
- Broadcaster Stephen Fry is among the celebrities to champion the efforts of the soldiers during today’s event
- Follow MailOnline’s LIVEBLOG for the latest updates on the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London today
- The Queen’s funeral: All the latest Royal Family news and coverage
By Tom Cotterill and James Robinson for MailOnline
Published: 01:00 AEST, 20 September 2022 | Updated: 07:53 AEST, 20 September 2022
3.1kshares
Pallbearers from the British Army who weeks ago were serving in Iraq have today been celebrated for their role in carrying the Queen‘s coffin – with admirers across Britain declaring: ‘They have done our nation and Her Majesty proud.’
The world held its breath as the eight soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards inched their way meticulously up the steep steps of St George’s Chapel, in Windsor, this afternoon carrying the 96-year-old’s monarch on their shoulders.
Earlier the soldiers, marshalled by two officers, had seamlessly transferred the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Hall and on to a gun carriage, which carried the late Monarch to the state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
On a busy day for the team from the exemplary-as-ever Grenadier Guards, the soldiers sprang into action once again to carry the coffin up the aisle of Westminster Abbey for the service.
Without a hint of a slip-up, the eight men, led throughout by Company Sergeant Major Dean Jones, then transferred the coffin out of the Abbey and back on to the carriage, where it was moved in procession up The Mall and Constitution Hill to Wellington Arch.
With their enormous task not yet completed, the soldiers returned again to move the coffin into a hearse to be driven to Windsor, where they took on perhaps their most difficult task of the day – carrying the 500lb lead-lined coffin up the steps to the more than 500-year-old St George’s Chapel.
Of the team of guards taking part in the historic spectacle, five are understood to have been flown back from a deployment in Iraq in the hours after it was announced the Queen had died, on Thursday, September 8.
And with the eyes of an estimated 4.1billion people from across the globe on them, the unnamed soldiers performed faultlessly, garnering the admiration of people across social media, including celebrities, who praised their professionalism.
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King Charles, Camilla, Queen Consort, Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex follow behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II with the Imperial State Crown resting on top of it carried by pallbearers as it departs Westminster Abbey
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The pallbearing team of eight Grenadier Guards inched their way up the steps of St George’s Chapel in Windsor and were followed by members of the Royal family
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Members of the Grenadier Guards carrying the coffin of the Queen up the steps of St George VI Chapel at Windsor Castle
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Arm in arm, the pallbearers made their way tentatively up the steps of St George’s Chapel as the world held its breath
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The Grenadier Guards seamlessly transferred the Queen’s coffin today, moving it safely to each point in the funeral and procession
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The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II being carried by pallbearers leaving the State Funeral held at Westminster Abbey
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Of the team of guards taking part in the historic spectacle, five are understood to have been flown back from a deployment in Iraq in the hours after it was announced the Queen had died, on Thursday, September 8
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The herculean effort to lift Her Majesty’s casket and transport it so gracefully throughout the day – without fault – left people on social media stunned. Pictured: The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried towards Saint George’s chapel for her funeral at Windsor castle, Britain
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The pallbearer party were all of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. The unit had a close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade
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With the eyes of an estimated 4.1billion people from across the globe on them, the unnamed soldiers performed faultlessly, garnering the admiration of people across social media, including celebrities, who praised their professionalism. Pictured: The coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth arrives outside St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle
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It’s thought the 96-year-old monarch’s specially crafted, lead-lined oak casket weighs more than 500lb. The guards are understood to have been given specially-built rubber boots to help stop them slipping on the smooth stone steps of the chapel, which is more than 500 years old
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The choir sang as the pallbearers from the Grenadier Guards carried the coffin into St George’s Chapel in Windsor for the Queen’s committal service
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The Royal Family and European royals watch as the coffin is carried towards the altar
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The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried into St George’s Chapel along the centre aisle of the nave to the catafalque
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Pallbearers carry the coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in to St George’s Chapel for a committal service at Windsor Castle
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Terry is the wonderful man who arranged the gift of one of our canes to Queen Elizabeth II.
Thanks Lucinda for the photo xx
The Royal Family official Twitter account shared this poignant image of the final service to honour the Queen at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor
One of Queen’s pallbearers is 19-year-old Grenadier Guard from Jersey with a ‘passion’ for serving in the Armed Forces
One of the Grenadier Guards chosen to be a pallbearer for the Queen’s coffin is a teenager from the island of Jersey.
Fletcher Cox was part of a group from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The former Grainville student was part of his local Army Cadet Force, where he was awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s medal in 2018 – the highest honour a Jersey cadet can be given.
Speaking to ITV, Laura Therin, a staff sergeant with Jersey’s Army Cadet Force, said of Cox: ‘We were all quite astounded – seeing him wasn’t something any of us were expecting, but we’re all so incredibly proud of Fletcher and his achievements.
‘I’ve known Fletcher since he first started with the Cadets. He always was a very organised young man who lived and breathed Cadets.
‘He always knew he wanted to go into that line of work – it always was his passion, and it’s so great to see that paying off.’
It’s thought the 96-year-old monarch’s specially crafted, lead-lined oak casket weighs more than 500lb. The guards are understood to have been given specially-built rubber boots to help stop them slipping on the smooth stone steps of the chapel, which is more than 500 years old.
The herculean effort to lift Her Majesty’s casket and transport it so gracefully throughout the day – without fault – left people on social media stunned.
One person described the young soldiers as the ‘top tier, crème de la crème’ of pallbearers.
While another person tweeted: ‘I am in awe of the pallbearers. The Queen’s casket weighs between 550 & 700lbs. They have carried & walked with her carefully & without fault throughout the day. Anyone else hold their breath up those steps?’
Another impressed by the guards’ actions added: ‘Those 8 pallbearers today deserve a medal. The anxiety I’ve had just watching – especially on the steps… they’ve done themselves and everyone watching proud.’
The guard’s first action involved tentatively lifting the Queen’s coffin onto the ceremonial gun carriage, which would pull her the short distance from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, where her funeral service took place place.
Under the glare of the world’s press, the eight soldiers worked as a team, walking slowly through the Abbey followed closely by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.
Hundreds of people – from world leaders and global royalty to the great and the good of the UK – watched as the pallbearers marched through the centre historic building, which is more than 1.000 years old.
Among those who were part of the team carrying the Queen included 19-year-old Guardsman Fletcher Cox, from Jersey.
The former Army Cadet left his home at 16 to begin his training with the military.
Positioned at the rear of the pallbearing team, his role at the Queen’s funeral left his former Army Cadet instructor, Laura Therin bursting with pride.
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Pallbearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre, into her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey
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The pallbearers of the Grenadier Guards carry the Queen’s coffin into Westminster Abbey, followed by members of the royal family
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Senior church figures lead the procession into Westminster Abbey followed by members of the Royal Household, then the coffin, being carried by the pallbearers from the Grenadier Guards and later senior royals
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Pallbearers carry the Queen’s coffin up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, followed by members of the royal family, ahead of her funeral today
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Pallbearers transfer the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard, from the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy into the State Hearse at Wellington Arch in London
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Pallbearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown in the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey
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Pallbearers were followed by members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princes William and Harry
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Pallbearers carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown during the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey
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More than 3,000 personnel from all three wings of Britain’s military took part in the procession to Buckingham Palace
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Pallbearers transfer the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard, from the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy into the State Hearse at Wellington Arch in London
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Pallbearers transfer the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard, from the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy into the State Hearse at Wellington Arch
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Pallbearers transfer the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard, into the State Hearse at Wellington Arch in London
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‘We were all quite astounded – seeing him wasn’t something any of us were expecting, but we’re all so incredibly proud of Fletcher and his achievements,’ she told ITV Jersey.
‘I’ve known Fletcher since he first started with the Cadets. He always was a very organised young man who lived and breathed Cadets.’
The Grenadier Guards: An elite army unit with more than 350 years of history – famed for their battlefield skills and their central role in parades
The pallbearer party were all of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The Grenadier Guards are an elite British Army infantry regiment who are world famous for their red tunics and bearskins, and they can often be seen guarding the Royal Residences.
It can trace its lineage back to 1656 when it was raised in Bruges to protect a then exiled George II.
The unit has been involved in a number of conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars and most recently Iraq and Afghanistan.
Recruits take part in a grueling 30-week training course – two weeks longer than standard infantry units.
It close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
The Duke of Edinburgh was also a Colonel of the Grenadier Guards from 1975 and visited the Battalion on many occasions, including UK based exercises and on operations.
The unit has always historically provided pallbearers for the Monarchs.
The pallbearers’ composure also attracted attention from celebrities and politicians.
Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, said: ‘Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight young men silently went about their duty.
‘The weight of the world on their shoulders, the glare of the world on them, but they were flawless. They did themselves, their families and our country proud. Thank you.’
Broadcaster Stephen Fry was more succinct: ‘Bearer Party, to the pub – quick march. Bearer Party, lift tankard. Bearer party, down beer. You’ve earned it.’
Later, the team again carried the late sovereign’s casket back out and onto the gun carriage, which was pulled to Buckingham Palace amid unprecedented scenes of support from the British public.
More than one million people are predicted to have lined the streets to witness to the historic spectacle, which involved some 3,000 military personnel.
It was the first State Funeral since that of Sir Winston Churchill, on January 30, 1965.
The pallbearer party were all of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The unit had a close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
It’s understood the Queen’s Company deployed to Iraq in July to enhance ‘the training of the Iraqi security forces’, according to the squad’s official Twitter account.
The Queen’s Company will retain its name up until the monarch is laid to rest, and will later change to reflect the new King.
Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale told the PA news agency: ‘They became the Queen’s Company immediately after the death of George VI and the Queen has been commander ever since.
‘It’s their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise.
‘Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch.’
The Grenadier Guards is the most senior regular Army regiment and dates back to 1656.
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Members of the Grenadier Guards previously were pallbearers for the Queen’s coffin moving the casket into Westminster Hall for her lying in state
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Members of the unit were also pallbearers for the Queen’s coffin on Wednesday when it was transferred from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall
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They transferred the coffin, with the royal crown on top, into the famous hall where the Queen was left to lie in state for four days
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Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state in Westminster Hall inside the Palace of Westminster, from Wednesday until a few hours before her funeral on Monday,
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Pallbearers from The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II into Westminster Hall
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The Grenadier Guards moved the Queen’s coffin into Westminster Hall following a procession from Buckingham Palace
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The pallbearers carried the coffin through the hall to the centre, where the Queen was left to lie in state for four days before her funeral today
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Pallbearers from The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards place the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on a Catafalque in Westminster Hall on Wednesday
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In total, about 4,000 military personnel were involved in the funeral parade. This includes Commonwealth personnel but not logistics or support staff.
In central London, more than 3,000 members of the military took part in the ceremonies.
About 1,500 UK service personnel joined the processions while 175 Commonwealth service personnel took part in the parade to Wellington Arch
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Some 1,000 military personnel lined the London procession routes with 380 troops providing guards of honour and static bands
In Windsor, more than 1,000 forces personnel joined the ceremonial activity.
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign symbolically comes to an end with ceremonial ‘breaking of the wand’: St George’s Chapel sings ‘God Save the King’ as Charles III departs memorial and family head to private service
By Rory Tingle for MailOnline
An ancient tradition known as the ‘breaking of the wand’ took place today to symbolically mark the end of the Queen‘s reign as St George’s Chapel burst into a rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’.
In a moving ceremony, the Lord Chamberlain – who oversees much of the royal household – snapped his Wand of Office, before placing it to the Queen’s coffin before it was lowered into the Royal Vault.
The breaking of the staff, which was traditionally used to discipline noisy courtiers, signifies the end of his service to the Queen.
Andrew David Parker, who served as director general of MI5 from 2013 to 2020, had served from April last year. King Charles III will now appoint his own Lord Chamberlain to run the role under his new duties as monarch.
The ceremonial gesture, which took place at the Queen’s committal, was last performed more than 70 years ago at George VI’s funeral but this was the first time it has ever been televised.
Shortly afterwards, the Queen was laid to rest with her beloved husband Prince Philip after her crown, orb and sceptre were removed from her coffin so she could descend into her grave ‘as a simple Christian soul’.
more videos
- Watch video Justin Trudeau sings Bohemian Rhapsody before The Qeen’s funeral
- Watch video The Queen’s beloved horse and corgis watch her final journey
- Watch video Holly Hughes calls Meghan Markle a ‘horrible human’ on air
- Watch video Sarah Ferguson joins Princess Beatrice and Eugenie at Queen’s funeral
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This was the moment that The Lord Chamberlain, Andrew David Parker, broke his Wand of Office in a symbolic moment when power transferred from the Queen
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The Lord Chamberlain breaks his Wand of Office before the Queen’s coffin is lowered as King Charles III watches on intently behind him
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The breaking of this staff signifies the end of his service to the Queen. King Charles III will now appoint his own Lord Chamberlain to run the role under his new duties as monarch
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The ceremonial gesture, which took place at the Queen’s committal, was last performed more than 70 years ago at George VI’s funeral but this was the first time it has ever been televised
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The Lord Chamberlain placed the broken staff on the Queen’s coffin, symbolising the end of his service to her. The coffin was then lowered into the Royal Vault
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Baron Parker of Minsmere, who served as director general of MI5 from 2013 to 2020, took over the position in April last year
The Royal Family stood at the end of the short service as the Queen was slowly lowered down into the royal vault while the Dean of Windsor said: ‘Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul.’
He also offered the commendation – a prayer in which the deceased is entrusted to God’s mercy.
Moments earlier the Dean had placed her crown and other crown jewels on the altar before the Queen’s staff of office was snapped – signifying the severing of the Queen from her service in death.
The Garter King of Arms then pronounced the styles and titles of the Queen as all power moved to her son, the King.
Charles looked deeply moved as the coffin was lowered – on a day where he appeared tearful on a number of occasions as he said goodbye to his mother, the 12th British monarch to be buried at Windsor.
Her Majesty’s long journey to her final resting place – and to be reunited with the Duke of Edinburgh – began in Balmoral on the day of her death 11 days ago and will end with her private interment at the castle’s St George’s Chapel this evening where the King will scatter earth on his mother’s coffin at 7.30pm at a private family service.
Britain’s longest reigning monarch had been carried into the historic church followed by Charles III, her children and grandchildren including Prince Harry and Prince William.
St George’s was where the Queen had sat alone during the funeral of Prince Philip last year – in one of the most poignant images of the pandemic – and it was where she had loved to worship for so many years when at Windsor.
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The Queen is laid to rest for eternity in St George’s Chapel as her coffin is lowered into the royal vault following her state funeral at Westminster Abbey
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The Crown Jewels were poignantly removed from the casket to show that the Queen’s reign was at an end
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The King looks moved as her mother is finally laid to rest during the service of committal
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The overwhelmed monarch then turned away as he said goodbye to his mother and her power and titles moved to him
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look at the Queen’s coffin as the Royal Family mourns her loss
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As the crown jewels were removed, Princess Charlotte pointed and spoke to her mother as Harry and Meghan looked on
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The Sussexes and the Wales’ sing as Her Majesty the Queen had her symbols of monarchy removed along with her titles
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The coffin of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II rests in George’s Chapel, Windsor
The royal family were united in their loss, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex briefly back with the family they left, but as the Queen’s son the Earl of Wessex said in tribute, in death, as in life, they were sharing their ‘beloved mama’ with others.
Hundreds of thousands lined the Queen’s funeral procession that carried the monarch from lying in state at Westminster Hall to her state funeral and on to Windsor Castle for the committal service.
Her state hearse arrived at the royal fortress strewn with flowers after the sight of the Queen had been cheered and applauded by mourners along the route.
When the Queen was lying in state, a river of people flowed past her coffin, paying their respects over four days.
At the end there were touching moments, with the Queen’s fell pony Emma, held by her stud groom and manager, standing a few feet from the coffin as the procession entered the grounds of Windsor Castle.
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Lena Tindall, Zara Tindall, Mia Tindall, the Duchess of Sussex, the Duke of Sussex, Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, and the Prince of Wales, stand for the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre
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Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, and the Prince of Wales as they say goodbye to the Queen
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Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne and Prince Edward sat together in the service
Waiting in the royal residence’s quadrangle were her two corgis Muick and Sandy – gifts from her son the Duke of York – as the funeral procession passed.
The Queen was head of state but also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and, in a personal touch, the wreath adorning her coffin had a handwritten note from the King.
The message said: ‘In loving and devoted memory. Charles R’.
Charles had requested the floral tribute, which replaced a wreath of Balmoral flowers, with foliage and blooms cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove.
Read more:
Queen’s pallbearers praised for their composure while carrying the coffin
The comments below have been moderated in advance.
‘We were all quite astounded – seeing him wasn’t something any of us were expecting, but we’re all so incredibly proud of Fletcher and his achievements,’ she told ITV Jersey.
‘I’ve known Fletcher since he first started with the Cadets. He always was a very organised young man who lived and breathed Cadets.’
The Grenadier Guards: An elite army unit with more than 350 years of history – famed for their battlefield skills and their central role in parades
The pallbearer party were all of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The Grenadier Guards are an elite British Army infantry regiment who are world famous for their red tunics and bearskins, and they can often be seen guarding the Royal Residences.
It can trace its lineage back to 1656 when it was raised in Bruges to protect a then exiled George II.
The unit has been involved in a number of conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars and most recently Iraq and Afghanistan.
Recruits take part in a grueling 30-week training course – two weeks longer than standard infantry units.
It close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
The Duke of Edinburgh was also a Colonel of the Grenadier Guards from 1975 and visited the Battalion on many occasions, including UK based exercises and on operations.
The unit has always historically provided pallbearers for the Monarchs.
The pallbearers’ composure also attracted attention from celebrities and politicians.
Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, said: ‘Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight young men silently went about their duty.
‘The weight of the world on their shoulders, the glare of the world on them, but they were flawless. They did themselves, their families and our country proud. Thank you.’
Broadcaster Stephen Fry was more succinct: ‘Bearer Party, to the pub – quick march. Bearer Party, lift tankard. Bearer party, down beer. You’ve earned it.’
Later, the team again carried the late sovereign’s casket back out and onto the gun carriage, which was pulled to Buckingham Palace amid unprecedented scenes of support from the British public.
More than one million people are predicted to have lined the streets to witness to the historic spectacle, which involved some 3,000 military personnel.
It was the first State Funeral since that of Sir Winston Churchill, on January 30, 1965.
The pallbearer party were all of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The unit had a close connection with the Queen – as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
It’s understood the Queen’s Company deployed to Iraq in July to enhance ‘the training of the Iraqi security forces’, according to the squad’s official Twitter account.
The Queen’s Company will retain its name up until the monarch is laid to rest, and will later change to reflect the new King.
Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale told the PA news agency: ‘They became the Queen’s Company immediately after the death of George VI and the Queen has been commander ever since.
‘It’s their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise.
‘Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch.’
Nelle's journey 