Onlookers shocked as royal guard faints off podium while holding vigil near Queen's coffin at Westminster Hall
LONDON, ENGLAND: A royal guard fainted at the Palace of Westminister on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, while holding vigil on the podium next to the Queen's coffin. Onlookers were shocked to see the sight as thousands of mourners queued up to pay their last respect to the late monarch.
The guard stepped away from the podium for a short period, before taking his position again. However, within a few seconds, he blacked out and fell on the stone floor as loud gasps were heard from the mourners and bystanders.
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According to DailyMail, the incident happened right after the Queen's coffin was moved to the Palace of Westminister from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, September 14 afternoon. The live stream from the palace was paused for the next few minutes after the unfortunate accident.
Queen Elizabeth's coffin is being kept on a catafalque which is a raised platform. It is being guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London. Watch the video here.
King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry marched behind the Queen as she made her final exit from Buckingham Palace. Before the public was permitted to enter the hall, a brief prayer service also took place among the royal family members. The 'Fab Four' -- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and Kate Middleton -- were seen standing together putting aside their bitter feud throughout the service.
The 38-minute-long procession from Buckingham palace to the Palace of Westminister was emotional and as the Queen's coffin entered the hall at the Westminister Palace the choir of Westminster Abbey and the choir of His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace sang Psalm 139. At this moment, King Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne saluted the coffin. Harry and Prince Andrew who are barred from wearing military uniforms bowed their head instead.
Thousands of people gathered at the hall throughout the evening and mourners waiting to pay their respects have been given color-coded wristbands in order to temporarily leave the queue to buy food and use the toilet. The Palace of Westminster will remain open 24 hours a day until 6.30 am on Monday, the day of the Queen's funeral.
The longest reigning monarch in modern history died on Thursday, September 8, at the age of 96. The late queen was suffering from ill health and mobility issues and died at her Balmoral residence just a few days after meeting UK's new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.