The coffin bearers carrying the late Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral were specifically chosen to protect her body after her passing.
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, all of the former sovereign's men paid tribute to her during Monday's funeral service.
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On the day the Queen died, September 8, the unit was deployed in Iraq but returned from operations. 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 Queen's coffin travelled from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for her state funeral, which began at 11am.
A public procession will begin at 12.15pm as the Queen's coffin makes the 1.5-mile journey from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London.
The state hearse will then carry it to Windsor in Berkshire, where the Queen will be laid to rest.
Major Johnny Hathaway-White, 36, from Wiltshire, will lay the Camp Colour of the Captain of the Queen's Company at Windsor Castle after it is placed onto a catafalque - a raised platform.
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