An RAF plane set to carry Queen Elizabeth's coffin from Edinburgh to London has seen extensive action and was previously involved in humanitarian missions to Ukraine and Afghanistan.
The “heavily used” C-17 Globemaster played a crucial role in the evacuation of 15,000 British and Afghan citizens as Kabul fell to Taliban fighters in 2021.
It also took humanitarian aid and weapons to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country as well as being used “extensively” in disaster relief efforts around the world.
The RAF has been tasked with moving the queen's coffin on Tuesday evening. The force has played a major role in the lives of many of the royal family, with King Charles III and Prince William both former members.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said the queen's coffin will get a royal guard of honour from 96 Queen's Colour Squadron gunners when it is loaded on to the aircraft in Edinburgh.
The plane, which will also fly Princess Anne south, will leave at 6pm and is expected to arrive in London an hour later.
The Queen's Colour Squadron, this time with the king’s colours on display too, will then give another guard of honour.
A hearse will then take the queen's coffin to Buckingham Palace.
He later added that "today is the day that we have long, long planned for but hoped would never come.”
Rehearsals for the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin in London - in pictures
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An early morning rehearsal for the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin in London. PA -
Grenadier Guards, a unit of the Household Division Foot Guards, take part in the rehearsal. AFP -
Queen Elizabeth's coffin will be transferred from Buckingham Palace by gun carriage in a ceremonial procession taking place on Wednesday. Getty Images -
Members of the of the Grenadier Guards form up at Wellington Barracks ahead of a final full dress rehearsal. EPA -
Guardsmen march from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster during the early morning rehearsal. Getty Images -
'Tri-Service' personnel taking part in a full dress rehearsal in London. EPA -
Grenadier Guards march past Big Ben in central London. PA
Sir Mike praised the queen's interest in new technology, noting that when she began her reign, the RAF was flying Lancaster and Spitfire planes.
He also stated that the former monarch, who died last week aged 96, has a "close affinity and a close interest” with evolving technology.
“I’m in no doubt that the Royal Air Force holds a very special place alongside all of the armed forces around the Commonwealth.”
Meanwhile, Sir Mike said the king was a good pilot and could have had a “successful flying career”.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I know that he enjoyed his flying, as his father did, as his grandfather did, and as the Prince of Wales did as well.
“By all accounts, I still speak to one of his instructors and there was no doubt that, had His Majesty the King chosen a career in the Royal Air Force, he would have gone on to a successful flying career.”
The UK mourns Queen Elizabeth II - in pictures
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A tribute altar for Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park in London. AFP -
Ann Doran, 6, looks at floral tributes left in Green Park. Reuters -
Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, look at floral tributes on the Sandringham Estate. AFP -
A drawing of the queen and her husband Prince Philip among flowers outside Windsor Castle. AFP -
Members of the public view floral tributes in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace. PA -
People queue on a bridge over the river Thames to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth in London. Reuters -
A member of the public lights a candle at Windsor Parish Church. AFP -
Residents of the Lawn care home in Alton, Hampshire, decorate an area with photographs of Queen Elizabeth, bunting and their own flower arrangements. PA -
Lloyd's of London chief John Neal delivers remarks honouring the life of Queen Elizabeth during a remembrance ceremony in the atrium of the company's offices in London. Getty Images -
Joyce Buckley, a sponge decorator at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, paints a commemorative mug. PA -
A royalist standing in front of Buckingham Palace. AFP -
Tributes to Queen Elizabeth are viewed at St James's Park in London. Reuters -
Crowds gather outside St. Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile as the queen's coffin passes in Edinburgh. Bloomberg -
Chelsea Pensioners attend a Drumhead service of remembrance, with readings and prayers, in London. Getty Images -
An image of Queen Elizabeth at Green Park Tube station. Reuters -
Vanessa, Anne and Grace, from left to right, wait opposite the Palace of Westminster to be first in line bidding farewell to Queen Elizabeth in London. AP -
A young girl holds Paddington Bear and Corgi stuffed toys while waiting to watch the procession of Queen Elizabeth's coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Reuters -
Well-wishers outside Windsor Castle. Getty Images -
Lloyd Smith paints a portrait of Queen Elizabeth in London. AFP -
A child lays flowers outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. AP -
A family leaves flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA -
Flowers and tributes, including sunflowers and a Paddington Bear, are left for Queen Elizabeth at the Green Park memorial in London. AP -
People start to camp on The Mall ahead of Queen Elizabeth's coffin being taken from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon by procession on a Gun Carriage to the Palace of Westminster. PA -
Flowers left in St James's Park, London. PA -
A man with his dog arrive early as they wait to view the cortege carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in Edinburgh. Getty Images -
Members of the public gather on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to watch the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. PA -
Crowds watch as the hearse continues its journey to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from Balmoral. PA -
The hearse passing over Queensferry Crossing on its way to Edinburgh. PA -
Flowers left at the Sandringham Estate, one of the queen's residences. EPA -
A Paddington Bear teapot at the Sandringham Estate. EPA -
Flowers left at the gates of the Sandringham Estate. EPA -
Flowers, cards and messages left in St James's Park in London. EPA -
People lay flowers at Buckingham Palace in London. Reuters
