MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'Weight of the world on their shoulders': Pallbearers earn praise for gracefully carrying the Queen's coffin

The specially crafted, lead-lined oak casket was carried flawlessly by the 8 guardsmen from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: The guardsmen from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, are being hailed widely for their composure and dignified mannerism as they carried Her Majesty’s coffin on Monday, September 19. The team of eight troopers, where five were said to have flown back from Iraq, flawlessly went about their duties carrying the coffin draped in the Royal Standard up the steep steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor. It is estimated that around 4.1 billion people across the globe watched the committal ceremony of the Queen, winning appreciation from all over.

As per the royal insiders, the specially crafted, lead-lined oak casket for the monarch weighs over 500lb, and for this reason, the guards wore customized rubber boots to avoid slipping on the smooth stone steps of the chapel. It was quite a task to carry the Queen’s coffin throughout the day gracefully, and without any fault, which rightfully won the hearts of people across social media, which also included celebrities.

READ MORE

Lord Chamberlain breaks the 'wand of office' as the Queen is laid to rest: What does it mean?

James Alexander Philip Theo: Queen’s youngest grandchild was in pensive mood as he offered final farewell at funeral

MP Carla Lockhart tweeted praising the herculean task performed by the pallbearers, “Amidst the pageantry and occasion 8 young men silently went about their duty. The weight of the world on their shoulders, the glare of the world on them, but they were flawless. They did themselves, their families and our country proud. Thank you.”

Popular TV presenter Piers Morgan said, “These magnificent 1st Battalion Grenadier Guard pallbearers have been done their Queen and country proud. Incredible job under hugely stressful conditions.”

Another admirer tweeted, “Those boys that carried that coffin must have been so anxious, but they done an amazing job and they and their families should be so proud! #QueenElizabethII #QueensFuneral”. “Wow the Queens Coffin Bearers have been absolutely faultless today, how proud they must feel and how proud we feel of them also #queensfuneral #QueenElizabethII #QueenElizabethII,” a Twitter user wrote.

Sharing the emotions of many Britons, Simon Dodd said, “On the edge of my seat watching that gold round thing on top of the coffin as it's carried #queensfuneral”

The Grenadier Guards are the senior infantry regiment of British Army soldiers, who are well known for their long bearskin hats and red tunics. The Queen was said to have a close connection with her company as she was the company commander and used to inspect its functioning every decade.

Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in the Royal Vault at Windsor's St George's Chapel, while the Dean of Windsor recited Psalm 103 verses 13–17, pronouncing his blessings.