Praise continues for 'outstanding' Guardsmen who carried Queen's coffin
Impeccable, flawless, role models, nerves of steel, outstanding - just some of the words that have been used to describe the young soldiers who carried Queen Elizabeth II's coffin upon their shoulders at her state funeral on Monday.
People took to social media to share their heartfelt thanks to the men from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who were chosen because of their unique association with the late monarch.
On the day the Queen died, the unit was deployed on operations in Iraq, and was returned from operations.
But the soldiers' vital role did not end when the world stopped watching.
General Lord Richard Dannatt, former Chief of General Staff, explained to The Telegraph what they had to do once Her Late Majesty's coffin was out of sight in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
He said: "Deep in the Royal Vault under the chapel, the pallbearers will have one final unseen duty — to move the late Queen’s body to its final resting place close to her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, and to her father, King George VI."
Eight of the men carried Her Late Majesty's lead-lined coffin upon their shoulders while they embraced each other's shoulders to form a steady base for the coffin to be transported.
To explain why these men were carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, former British Army soldier Major (Ret'd) Adrian Weale told the PA news agency: "It's their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise."
While those who watched the Queen's funeral would have spent a lot of time appreciating the key role played by all service personnel and police officers who worked on the day, below are some of the tributes that continued to pour in for the men who carried Her Late Majesty's coffin.
Celebrities, broadcasters and politicians were among those praising the soldiers.
Broadcaster Stephen Fry tweeted: "Bearer Party, to the pub – quick march.
"Bearer Party, lift tankard. Bearer party, down beer. You’ve earned it."
Broadcaster Piers Morgan also praised the "magnificent" soldiers who "done their Queen and country proud".
"Incredible job under hugely stressful conditions," he tweeted.
Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, said: "Amidst the pageantry and occasion, eight 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."
Tory former minister Eddie Hughes said: “I held my breath for every step… These lads are amazing."
Fellow Tory MP Tom Hunt said: “I can’t imagine how hard and emotionally challenging it must have been to have carried Her Late Majesty’s coffin just once.
“They’ve done it time and time again this week. With billions watching. They’ve done Her Late Majesty and the country proud.”
Britain's Got Talent winner and magician Lance Corporal Richard Jones, who proudly served under the Queen's reign for 12 years, said on social media: "They did our Nation proud. Impeccable."
Members of the public also applauded the soldiers on their work.
Carol Kelly was, like many on social media, incredibly aware of just how much weight the men were having to carry. Made 30 years ago out of English oak and lined with lead, the coffin is estimated to weigh at least 550lbs, or a quarter of a tonne, and anywhere up to 700lbs.
She said: "The coffin and orb and sceptre and crown would have been really heavy, I have the greatest respect for you lads well done you did lilibet proud xx"
Jenna Hastings wanted to pay tribute to all the Armed Forces and police officers who took part in the funeral.
She said: "All of the military and police have done a fantastic job today, they should be highly commended for their professionalism."
Ruth Harrison said: "What a task they had!!! Performed with grace and dignity, faultless.
"Extremely proud of them. I hope someone tells them what a superb job they have done today!"
Below are more of the tributes posted on social media.
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