The soldiers who carried Queen Elizabeth’s coffin at her funeral also moved her body to the morgue.
Eight men from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guard took the late monarch’s 500-pound lead-lined coffin from Westminster Hall, where her remains were laid, to the state funeral at Westminster Abbey, and then to St George’s Chapel. I was responsible for 10 moves before moving to It was held at Windsor for a devotional service, but a personal service on Monday (19.09.22) was to move the Queen’s body from the royal vaults to the George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle. Their duties did not end there, as they stayed… night.
In tribute to the work of the army at the funeral, the British former chief of staff, General Lord Dunat, singled out Paul Bearer’s efforts.
In the comments section of the Daily Telegraph, he wrote: Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guard.
“Suddenly recalled from the Middle East to fulfill long-planned and traditional obligations, they literally bear the full responsibility.
“The lead-lined coffins are very heavy, climbing up and down stairs, getting in and out of artillery carriages and catafalks, and manipulating precious cargo in and out of vehicles – all of this in the constant gaze of billions of people on television. For His Majesty the King, the Royal Family and senior members of the Household Department, this is no easy task.
“These young guards are especially commendable, even when the cameras are switched off at the end of the day and the final private service of the dedication is being held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. Their duty never ends.
“Deep in the royal vaults beneath the chapel, the pallbearers will have one last unseen duty to carry the dead Queen’s remains to her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and her father, George. It’s about moving to a final resting place closer to the VI. When all is done, these young men can also relax and reflect on the very hard work they’ve done so well.”
Sir Dunat also promised that “pride and professionalism” will be displayed again when King Charles’s coronation takes place sometime next year.
he writes: His Majesty King Charles III is well on his way, once again demonstrating British military pride and professionalism. We mourn the death of the late King, mourn justly, give thanks, pause for a moment, and likewise celebrate the coronation of the new Sovereign.
“The band marches down the mall again, the harness of the Household Cavalry jingles, the monarch enters the monastery, and the crown of St. Edward is placed upon his head. God save the king.”
