The Queen’s pallbearers made themselves the pride of the nation after shouldering its grief so heroically.
The world held its breath as the eight young men carried the 500lb coffin up the 20 steep steps of St George’s Chapel on Monday.
And they showed “nerves of steel” while knowing the eyes of four billion people were on them.
But their work was not done – they had a private, final mission at the end of their 12-hour shift.
Venturing deep into the vaults, they were trusted with moving Her Majesty into her final resting place, next to her beloved late husband, Prince Philip.
Social media was alight with people praising the “awesome” soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
One said: “If your kids ever ask what is a role model, show them this photo of these lads from the Grenadier Guards.
“Don’t tell them about footballers, TV stars, movie stars, celebrity wannabes, queue jumpers or anyone else chasing fame. Talk to them about these lads.”
Another said: “The utmost precision and nerves of steel in front of billions.”
And Ryan Gurton wrote: “These eight young men deserve to be knighted.”
Having planned everything in the finest of detail, the party wore rubber-soled boots to avoid slipping on the ancient flagstones they would have to navigate.
And they raised and put down the lead-lined oak coffin at least 10 times during Her Majesty’s journey from Westminster Hall in London to St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
But while the world looked on in admiration, their families admitted that they “were a mess” as they watched their loved ones.
Five of the men carrying the coffin were flown back from Iraq – where they were training local forces – within hours of Her Majesty’s death being announced on September 8.
The Army said the unit’s “very best soldiers” had been chosen for the honour of bearing her coffin.
The Grenadier Guards had a close connection with the Queen, who held the position of company commander and carried out a personal review every 10 years.
We do not know the identities of all of the pallbearers. But we do know that Company Sergeant Major Dean Jones, who is from Long Eaton in Derbyshire and has been in the Army 19 years, led the men, marching in front of the coffin.
Gaynor Jones wrote: “Cannot put into words how proud myself and Dean’s family are, of all the lads.
“I’ve been a mess all week but know all his friends from Long Eaton have been watching him. He’s worked incredibly hard for this. Thanks, everyone, for your lovely words. From Dean’s mum.”
Nev Insley summed up a lot of people’s feelings when he told her: “They should never have to buy a drink in a pub again.”
As a warrant officer, Dean – who has completed two tours of Afghanistan and two in Iraq – met the Queen several times, including when she presented new colours to the company. The father-of-one was returning to operational duties immediately after her funeral.
Also in the team was Fletcher Cox, 19, from Jersey, who was part of his school’s Army Cadet Force. Fletcher was awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s medal in 2018 – the highest honour a Jersey cadet can be given. He left the Channel island at 16 to attend a military training college in the UK before joining the Grenadier Guards.
Susie Hill posted that she was in “awe” of what the teen had achieved, adding: “Fletcher Cox – we all knew there was something so special and genuine about you from the day you joined the ACF Detachment at Grainville School.
“I have never been so proud to see someone so young achieve so much and with such modesty. You have made Jersey and all those that have witnessed your achievements so proud and, yes, tears have been shed.”
And Laura Therin, a staff sergeant with Jersey’s Army Cadet Force, said: “We were all quite astounded – seeing him wasn’t something any of us were expecting but we’re all so proud of Fletcher and his achievements.”
At the rear of the bearer party was Second Lieutenant Freddie Hobbs, 24, from West Sussex, who was issuing the group’s commands.
He was one of those who had returned from deployment in Iraq. The son of a former Grenadier Guards officer, he also took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant. He joined the regular Army in January 2021, after being part of Bristol University Officer Training Corps.
Freddie’s cricket club said: “Congratulations, pride and respect to White Hunter Freddie Hobbs for his remarkable role – and not dropping anything.”
Another bearer was Luke Simpson, from Selston in Nottinghamshire. Dad Mark said: “We had a tear watching but they have all done us proud. It’s been an honour to see them all doing their best for the country and the Crown. We are so proud.”
Luke was also praised by Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield – who spoke of a second local lad carrying the coffin. “Ashfield Lads. Luke and Aaron doing their duty and making their families and the whole of Ashfield proud. Serving Queen and country,” he said.
Selston Football Club said: “Well done to all involved in today’s funeral. Seems we have a young man from Selston that has been one of the Queen’s pallbearers. Respect to you, Luke Simpson, flawless under pressure with the whole world watching on. You have done your country, village, family and friends proud.”
Luke’s former headteacher, John Maher, added: “It is a source of great pride to the Ashfield School community that Luke took his place centre stage on this historic occasion and, with the world watching, carried out his duty so professionally.”
School head of uniformed services Julie Taylor added: “I am so incredibly proud of Luke – for the high honour of being chosen as a pallbearer but also for the truly admirable way in which he executed those duties. He has certainly set the benchmark high for all subsequent uniformed services students and is an outstanding example of where dedication, hard work and commitment can take you.”
The Army said: “The armed forces played a proud role in Her Majesty’s funeral and delivered excellence in every way possible. Each and every person involved, from those involved in ceremonial events to the streets liners, should take great pride in the way in which they marked her lifetime of selfless service to the nation.”
