Millions of people around the world watched as Lance Sergeant Alex Turner, Lance Corporal Tony Flynn, Lance Sergeant Elias Orlowski, Guardsman Fletcher Cox, Guardsman James Patterson, Lance Sergeant Ryan Griffiths, Guardsman Luke Simpson, and Guardsman David Sanderson carried out their duty.
The eight men are from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards which had a close connection with the Queen who held the position of company commander. At the time the British Army said the "very best soldiers" were chosen to carry out this solemn duty.
The men have now been made recipients of honours under the Royal Victorian Order, bestowed independently from Downing Street as they are in the King's gift. Read more about the secret art of being a royal pallbearer and who carried the late Queen's coffin.
Siblings, adult children, grown grandchildren, nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues are all common choices for pallbearers. However, anyone can serve as a pallbearer.
Traditionally, there are six pallbearers at a funeral, as there are usually six handles on a casket (three on each side), though there are often two handles on the front and back sides of a casket, allowing for eight pallbearers. Pallbearers are usually close family members and friends.
The British Army has said that the eight men chosen were the 'very best soldiers' in the Company – and also that they were the eight tallest men in the Company, chosen for stature and consistent stability, and likely arranged shortest to tallest at the back.
The individuals honoured with the task of bearing Queen Elizabeth's coffin were specifically chosen to protect her body after her death. The soldiers, who are from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were chosen to lift Her Majesty's coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
Guardsman Fletcher Cox, from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was one of eight chosen to carry the coffin of the longest-reigning monarch in British history - and also the youngest.
In most instances, men are pallbearers, so it seems like the norm. However, there is no cultural or religious customs stating that women can't serve as pallbearers. The only reason why they don't do this job is that they may not be strong enough to lift the casket, which can sometimes be quite heavy.
Pallbearers need to dress appropriately. Unless the bereaved specify otherwise, men should wear dark, solid suits with white shirts and conservative ties, and women should wear dark pantsuits or dresses. You really don't want to trip when carrying the casket.
The eight pallbearers who carried the Queen's coffin have been awarded the silver Royal Victoria Medal in recognition of the important role they played at her funeral.
Jack Burnell-Williams, a member of the Household Cavalry, died on Wednesday, September 28, after being unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge, London, the Army said in a statement.
The tradition of using guards to pull the carriage began at Queen Victoria's service, it is believed, when concern were raised that horses would be spooked by the crowds and topple the coffin.
The coffin bearers at the Queen's funeral are from a unit of which the late monarch was Company Commander. Soldiers from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were chosen to lift the coffin during the service at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
Lead-lined coffins slow the body's decomposition by keeping moisture out of the casket. Lead does not decay and so remains airtight, preventing decomposition, but also any smells and gases from being released; not something you want if multiple Royals are sharing a vault or may be moved in the future.
He was believed to be one of the newest recruits to the Household Cavalry. An Army spokesman said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28 September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks.
Pallbearer etiquette
Carry the coffin with dignity and respect. Carefully follow the funeral director's instructions. Wear smart and appropriate attire. Walk slowly and steadily.
Pallbearers are not simply carrying a box, but rather, they are carrying the physical embodiment of the deceased. This is a heavy responsibility that should not be taken lightly. In addition to carrying the casket, pallbearers may also play a role in the funeral service itself.
The advantage of this method is that the weight of the casket is distributed on the shoulders of the pallbearers, and the casket can be lowered immediately to the grave, as the pallbearers will simply walk lengthwise on each side of the grave.
Lance Sergeant Alex Turner, Lance Corporal Tony Flynn, Lance Sergeant Elias Orlowski, Guardsman Fletcher Cox, Guardsman James Patterson, Lance Sergeant Ryan Griffiths, Guardsman Luke Simpson, and Guardsman David Sanderson were selected to be pallbearers from the King's Company (then Queen's), 1st Battalion Grenadier ...
As for who those pallbearers are, the group is made up of eight 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, some of whom were flown back from their placement in Iraq to carry out the duty. The Grenadier Guard – whose company commander was the Queen – is the most senior, regular Army regiment and dates back to 1656.
Household Cavalry trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, played a key role in the royal send-off as one of the men who protected her coffin. Jack, who was part of the Blues and Royals regiment, was tragically found dead at Hyde Park Barracks in London's Knightsbridge.
All pallbearers were members of the Queen's Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Each soldier ranged in rank from guardsman to Lance Sergeant and were responsible for transporting the 500lb coffin throughout the day.
The funeral director will help you lift the coffin onto your shoulder. Keep the coffin close to you as you walk. Follow the lead of the funeral director and walk in step together with the other pallbearers.
Where is Queen Elizabeth II buried? Although the funeral took place in London, The Queen was laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor.