The Queen’s funeral was a somber and emotional event for people around the world, and behind every royal funeral, there are hidden heroes who help the event run smoothly. Among them are the pallbearers who are tasked with carrying the coffin of the departed monarch. Recently, the pallbearers of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral were recognised in a special honours list. In this article, we will explore the valuable contributions of pallbearers and the significance of their recognition in the honours list.
Eight soldiers who were pallbearers at the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II have been recognized with special honours as part of a Demise awards set. The soldiers, who were selected from the King’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, to carry the Queen’s coffin, have been awarded the silver Royal Victorian Medal in recognition of their service to the monarch. 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 have all been named as recipients of honours under the Royal Victorian Order (RVO).
RVO honours are bestowed by the King to individuals who have served the monarch or the Royal Family in a personal capacity. The Queen had a close association with the King’s Company as the serving monarch and held the position of company commander. She personally reviewed the company every decade. With millions of people watching, the unit had the honour of carrying the Queen’s body at her funeral in September 2022.
Apart from the pallbearers, other individuals who have been recognized in the special honours list include Angela Kelly, the Queen’s closest advisor, and pallbearers who carried the Queen’s coffin during her lying-in-rest in Edinburgh. Ms Kelly, who worked as the Queen’s personal assistant, advisor, and curator for over 25 years, has been made a Commander of the RVO.
During the COVID lockdown, Ms Kelly was believed to be part of a small group that the Queen isolated with, dubbed “HMS Bubble.” Ms Kelly once revealed in an interview that she and the Queen discussed clothes, make-up, and jewelry.
The recognition of the eight pallbearers reflects the significant role they played in carrying out their duties with utmost dignity and respect. The honour bestowed on them is a testament to their loyalty and devotion to the Queen, and how well they fulfilled their obligations. The King’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, has a proud history of serving the monarch, and the company’s close association with the Queen underscores the deep respect and admiration that the soldiers had for her.
The special honours list for the Demise awards recognizes individuals who have served the monarch or the Royal Family, and who have demonstrated a commitment to duty and loyalty. The awards are a way of recognizing their contributions and ensuring that their service is never forgotten. They are a reminder of the important role that individuals play in shaping the monarchy and upholding its values and traditions.
The recognition of Angela Kelly, the Queen’s personal assistant, advisor, and curator, is a fitting tribute to her tireless service to the Queen. Her work involved overseeing the Queen’s wardrobe and all official gifts offered to the royal family. Over the years, Ms Kelly has been an integral part of the Queen’s life, and the honour bestowed on her is a reflection of her dedication and loyalty.
In conclusion, the special honours list for the Demise awards recognizes individuals who have served the monarchy with distinction and honour. The recognition of the eight pallbearers who carried the Queen’s coffin is a testament to their exceptional service and devotion to the monarch. The awards recognize the important work of individuals who have played a critical role in shaping and preserving the monarchy’s traditions and values.
In conclusion, the recognition of the pallbearers who carried Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during her funeral is a well-deserved honour for their dedication and service to Her Majesty. They exhibited remarkable poise and professionalism while carrying out their duties, in what was undoubtedly an emotionally charged moment for the entire country. This special honours list serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by so many individuals in service to their country and communities. These pallbearers exemplify the spirit of duty, sacrifice and loyalty that is so important to our society. We thank them for their service and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.
