A teenage member of the Household Cavalry has been found dead at an Army barracks in the capital. Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, from Bridgend, Wales, walked with the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch during her state funeral last month, according to reports.
He died on Wednesday after being found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge just before 4pm, the Army said. “It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28th September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks,” an Army spokesman said.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
The Metropolitan Police said the death has been referred to the coroner. Police and paramedics from London Ambulance Service were called to the barracks in Knightsbridge, London, at 3.48pm on Wednesday in an attempt to save the young man.
At Her Majesty's funeral, Burnell-Williams guarded the late monarch's coffin as it made its final journey last month, much to the delight of his family and friends, the Mirror reports.
His family proudly declared that their son was "doing his duty for the Queen on her final journey". They had posted a video of troops from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, including the late soldier, taking part in the ceremony as Elizabeth II made her way to her final resting place.
The soldier's mother Laura, 42, shared an emotional tribute to her son - known as Jak to family and friends - alongside a picture of the young troop, adding: "Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday."
On the day of the Queen's funeral, the soldier's dad Daniel Burnell wrote: "My son doing his duty for the Queen on her final journey. So proud of you Jak Williams xx very proud father xx"
