A teenage Guardsman who walked behind the Queen 's coffin during her funeral has tragically been found dead at his army barracks.
Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, was found at the military house in London on Wednesday, September 28. Police and paramedics were called to the Hyde Park facility in Knightsbridge at 3.48pm in an attempt to save the young man, reports the Mail Online.
Despite their efforts, Burnell-Williams was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The teenager took on an important role at Her Majesty's funeral last Monday, less than two weeks before he passed away.
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."
The Mirror reports that police are not currently treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "An 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The death was unexpected, it has been investigated and is not being treated as suspicious. Officers will assist with preparing a report for the coroner."
At Her Majesty's funeral, Burnell-Williams guarded the late monarch's coffin as it made its final journey earlier this month, much to the delight of his family and friends. 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. Burnell-Williams from Bridgend, South Wales, was likely one of the Household Cavalry's most recent recruits at just 18 years of age.
To celebrate his life and mark his untimely death, his family will release blue balloons into the sky tomorrow.
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