They have done our country and Her Majesty proud, said fans throughout Britain of the pallbearers from the British Army who were serving in Iraq only a few weeks ago as they carried the Queen’s casket.
The eight members of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carefully climbed the stairs of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor this afternoon while carrying the 96-year-old king on their shoulders. The whole world held its breath.
Five of the squad of guards participating in the historic event are said to have been airlifted home from an Iraqi deployment in the hours after the announcement of the Queen’s passing on Thursday, September 8.
The anonymous troops behaved well while under the scrutiny of an estimated 4.1 billion people from across the world, winning the adoration of users on social media, including celebrities who complimented their professionalism.
People on social media were astounded at the tremendous effort required to hoist Her Majesty’s coffin and move it so gently and without error throughout the day.
The young troops were referred to be the “highest tier, crème de la crème” of pallbearers by one source.
Another user wrote, “I am in awe of the pallbearers,” in response. The Queen’s coffin is between 550 and 700 pounds. They have carried and walked with her all day long, being cautious and faultless. Who else held their breath while climbing those stairs?
Another person who was moved by the guards’ efforts said, “Those 8 pallbearers today deserve a medal.” They’ve made themselves and everyone watching proud, despite the dread I had while watching, particularly on the stairs.
The Queen’s coffin was first hesitantly lifted by the guard onto the ceremonial gun carriage, which would then pull her the short distance from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, where her burial was held.
The eight soldiers moved together as a team, moving carefully through the Abbey while being closely followed by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in full view of the world’s media.
The great and the good of the UK, as well as foreign leaders and monarchy, were observed as the pallbearers marched through the centre’s ancient edifice, which is more than 1.000 years old.
Guardsman Fletcher Cox, 19, from Jersey was one of the members of the group who carried the Queen.
At age 16, the former Army Cadet left home to start his military training.
His involvement during the Queen’s funeral, where he was positioned at the back of the pallbearing squad, had his former Army Cadet teacher, Laura Therin, beaming with joy.
We were all rather surprised to see him since none of us had anticipated it, but we are all really proud of Fletcher and his accomplishments, she said to ITV Jersey.
I’ve known Fletcher ever since he joined the Cadets. He was always a highly disciplined young guy who was consumed with Cadets.
Celebrities and politicians were interested in the pallbearers’ poise.
Eight young guys discreetly performed their job amongst the grandeur and occasion, according to Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart.
They had the pressure of the whole world on their shoulders, yet they were faultless.
‘They did themselves, their families and our nation proud. I’m grateful.
Stephen Fry, a broadcaster, said it better: “Bearer Party, to the bar – rapid march.”
“Bearer Party, raise your tankard.” Drink beer during the bearer celebration. You deserve it.
It’s estimated that over a million people lined the streets to see the show, which featured some 3,000 military men.
The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, comprised the whole pallbearer group.
The Queen, who was the reigning monarch at the time, served as the company commander and conducted a personal assessment of the company once every ten years.
According to the squad’s official Twitter account, the Queen’s Company travelled to Iraq in July to improve “the training of the Iraqi security forces.”
The Queen’s Company’s name will stay the same until the monarch is buried before changing to represent the next King.
Major Adrian Weale, a retired British Army officer, told the PA news agency: “The Queen has been commander ever since they became the Queen’s Company immediately after the passing of George VI.”
They must safeguard her body both throughout her life and after she passes away, continuing to serve as the Queen’s Company until King Charles orders otherwise.
Then, “their responsibilities will be transferred to the next monarch.”
The oldest regular Army unit, the Grenadier Guards, was founded in 1656.
The burial procession included around 4,000 military members in all. This includes employees of the Commonwealth, but not those in logistics or support.
More than 3,000 military personnel attended the festivities in the heart of London.
175 Commonwealth military members participated in the march to Wellington Arch, while about 1,500 UK service members participated in the processions.
The London procession paths were lined with 1,000 military personnel, with 380 men providing guards of honour and static bands.
More than 1,000 members of the armed services attended the ceremony in Windsor.