Many have taken to social media to praise the eight young men that were responsible for carrying the Queen's coffin. With the world watching and an estimated audience of four billion people, it'd be understandable if you assumed the men had felt rather nervous. The eight young soldiers had to place the Queen's coffin and her Crown Jewels on the carriage in front of what is likely to be one of the most-watched events the world has ever seen.
Thousands of military personnel took part in the Queen's state funeral on Monday, with each member having a specific role to fill in the service. However, the coffin bearers had a very important role in the fact that they are responsible for protecting the Queen's body. The eyes of the world watched as the bearer party delicately lifted the Queen's coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard and the Imperial Crown on top, from the State Gun Carriage and carry it inside for the service at Westminster Abbey - the same church in which she married in 1947 and was crowned in 1953. The coffin was then taken through the nave and the quire before being placed before the high altar.
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The coffin bearers are from a unit of which the late monarch was company commander. The soldiers from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards had been chosen to lift the coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
During the service, the soldiers will also pay tribute to their former monarch. It is said that the Queen's Company will retain its name up until the monarch is laid to rest, and will later change to reflect the new King.
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 coffin was moved from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the service, which started at 11am. A public procession began at 12.15pm as the Queen's coffin began the 1.5-mile journey from the Abbey to Wellington Arch in London before heading to Windsor, where the Queen will be laid to rest.
Many have praised the coffin bearers for their work. One Twitter user called MaZ-erati said: "Can’t begin to imagine the pride the parents of the coffin bearers are feeling right now." Another user, called Joanne Partridge said: "Pride & utter relief that it all went perfectly! Bet they were holding their breath because I know I was."
Charlotte Clymer tweeted: "These coffin bearers have gone through this choreography so many times they could do it in their sleep. I guarantee you that. Nothing is left to chance. Every step you see is precise and in sync. They literally have weighted coffins they use for practice." Sarah Ditum wrote: "You can't really see the coffin bearers and not think about the people that you've loved who've been shouldered in their turn. The care of putting her body on the gun carriage. All those last ministries of affection".
So if you ever feel nervous ahead of something you've got coming up, just remember: you could never be exposed to as large an audience as what those eight young men just went through.
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