Queen Elizabeth died peacefully on September 8 at Balmoral Castle — her beloved Scottish residence. She loved her time at the estate, where she often spent summers with Prince Philip and her family.
As her health got worse over the summer, her family members made sure to visit - and it was her loyal aides that spent hours with the monarch every day. This included her dresser Angela Kelly, page Paul Whybrew and Barry Mitford, the late Queen’s Serjeant-at-Arms.
Paul Whybrew, page of the backstairs (a senior role that oversees the male staff), is nicknamed 'Tall Paul' due to his 6ft4in height - and has captured attention after taking part in the Queen's procession following the funeral. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, he was one of "the most powerful" royal aides because the Queen highly valued his relationship.
For the latest updates from the Queen's funeral, follow our live blog.
Royal watchers noted his presence, as one wrote: "Several members of the Queen's close staff, including her trusted page, "Tall" Paul Whybrew, are included in this procession. Love that.
"He was one of the few that remained close with her during the pandemic, and he was featured in that famous James Bond sketch."
Another shared: "At the head of the procession, walking behind the band, is this man — the Queen’s page and sergeant-at-arms Paul Whybrew. He’s been by the Queen’s side for 44 years of her 70 year reign. Companion as well as servant. Now accompanying her one last time."
He spent the summer keeping HRH company, by helping "with jigsaw puzzles, delivering her beloved Racing Post and simply keeping her company as she watched television."
He was one her aides "had become indispensable, keeping her spirits up and her mind sharp."
He joined the procession for the Queen's final journeys, leading her to Westminster Abbey, where her funeral was held on Monday. As the coffin was taken in procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, he was also present - as he marched with the Royal Family.
Leading the ceremonial cortege, the loyal staff performed one last duty for "the boss", guiding her in death as they had in life.
Mr Whybrew, who at 6ft 4in tall towered over the 5ft 3in Queen, was previously described as the monarch's favourite courtier, and worked for the Queen for more than 40 years.
He wrestled intruder Michael Fagan to the ground after he broke into the Queen's bedroom at Buckingham Palace in 1982.
He also appeared with the monarch during her incredible skit for the 2012 Olympic Games with James Bond actor Daniel Craig.
Following the news that the monarch had died, a royal insider told PEOPLE that her personal courtiers were "devastated". They continued: "They are incandescent with grief.
