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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Abigail Nicholson

Queen's 'favourite' courtier 'Tall Paul' joins procession after funeral

One of the Queen's favourite courtier's, dubbed "tall Paul" took part in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch.

Members of the royal family, including the King, remained expressionless as they marched behind, while other members of the royal family, including the Princess of Wales, looked on at the crowds as they passed. Once the coffin reached Buckingham Palace, a poignant moment saw members of staff at the palace bowed and curtsied both at the coffin and members of the royal family as they passed by.

The Queen was famously loyal to her staff - and this includes Paul Whybrew, her most loyal aide, who joined the procession after the funeral. Nicknamed "Tall Paul" because he stands at 6ft 4in, the staff member was one of the Queen's regular companions in her final days, Mirror Online reports.

READ MORE: King Charles III owns a Merseyside retail park with a McDonald's and Greggs

According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, Whybrew was one of "the most powerful" royal aides because the Queen highly valued his relationship. He spent hours watching sport with her at Balmoral, and she personally paid for his flat in Windsor to be renovated, after she asked him to move closer.

Last week, he accompanied the coffin as the Queen left Buckingham Palace for the final time, with the King and the royal family walking behind her coffin in solemn procession to the lying in state.

He previously accompanied the queen in her famous skit for the 2012 Olympic Games with James Bond actor Daniel Craig. The decision mirrors Prince Philip's request that senior household staff walk behind his coffin.

This included his personal protection officer, his private secretary, two pages and two valets. Royal watchers noted his presence, as one wrote: "Tall Paul... keeper of the Queen's secrets: For 44 years, he was the 6ft 4in man at her side. This week he was given pride of place in front of her coffin."

A private interment service with senior members of the royal family is set to take place on Monday evening. The Queen’s final resting place will be the King George VI memorial chapel, an annex to the main chapel, where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister Princess Margaret.

The late Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin will be moved from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the Queen’s.

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