The soldiers carrying the Queen's coffin were specially chosen for the role and flew back from Iraq to prepare for the funeral.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was Company Commander for the soldiers picked to be pallbearers for the funeral. The men, part of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were deployed on operations in Iraq on the day the Queen died but flew back upon hearing of her death.
As well as their duties at the funeral, the Queen's Company carried the Queen's Coffin into Westminster Hall for the lying in state period. 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.
Read more: Queen to be buried with flowers in touching tribute to Prince Philip
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.”
Major Johnny Hathaway-White, 36, from Wiltshire, will lay the Camp Colour of the Captain of the Queen’s Company at Windsor Castle after it is placed onto a catafalque – a raised platform.
It had been at the Regimental Headquarters of the Grenadier Guards being prepared.
The colour was presented to the Grenadier Guards by the sovereign after the Queen became the monarch, and it was only paraded in her presence and has never been changed or replaced.
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