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.’
Eight soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards were tasked with carrying Her Majesty into Westminster Hall as she made her final journey from Buckingham Palace on Monday.
Five of the team were flown back from Iraq after Her Majesty’s death was announced on Thursday, September 8, to take their place in the historic spectacle, it has been reported.
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.
One tweet described the young soldiers as the ‘top tier, crème de la crème’ of pallbearers.
While another person said: ‘The eyes of the world on those pallbearers today… our armed forces and everyone involved didn’t put a foot wrong. They’ve done our nation and Her Majesty proud.’
The pride of the nation: days ago some of the eight pallbearers to carry the Queen at her funeral were deployed to Iraq, training Iraqi security forces
The pallbearers’ perfect display during Her Majesty’s state funeral on Monday was celebrated by celebrities and politicians on social media
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.’
A selection of tweets on social media which championed the work of the pallbearers from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
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.
More than 3,000 personnel from all three wings of Britain’s military took part in the procession to Buckingham Palace
Pallbearers were followed by members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princes William and Harry
‘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.
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
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.
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