The coffin bearers at the Queen's funeral are from a unit of which the late monarch was company commander. Soldiers from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were chosen to lift the coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
Although a senior officer took day-to-day control, the former sovereign's connection with her men was strong, and they have paid tribute to her during the service. 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."
