The Queen's coffin bearers have a very important part to play in the late monarch's state funeral and were specifically chosen for this historic duty. These soldiers are part of the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, and are responsible for lifting Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's coffin during her funeral service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
As previously reported by the Liverpool Echo, the unit had deployed on operations in Iraq on the day of Her Majesty's death and was returned from operations for one final act of service for her. A senior officer had day-to-day control over the unit, however, it's understood the Queen had a strong connection with her soldiers, who will pay tribute to her during the historic service.
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The Queen’s Company will keep its name until after Her Majesty has been laid to rest at The King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor Castle. After this point, it will be changed to reflect the succession of her son, King Charles III.
Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale told 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."
You can keep up with all updates from the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on the Mirror's live blog
Queen Elizabeth's coffin was taken from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the 11am service, with a public procession beginning at 12.15pm. At this point, Her Majesty's coffin was brought from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, carried atop The Royal Navy State Funeral Gun Carriage.
The 123-year-old carriage was first used to transport the coffin of Queen Victoria in 1901, and would later carry the coffin of Queen Elizabeth's father George VI at his own state funeral.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II will this evening be interred in King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in what will be a private service attended by the king and other Royal Family members.
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
