The eight pallbearers who carried Queen Elizabeth II's coffin have been awarded the silver Royal Victorian Medal in recognition of the important role they played at her funeral.
The soldiers were named as recipients of honours under the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of their service to the queen.
Awards under the RVO are in the king’s gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.
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 were selected to be pallbearers from the King’s Company (then Queen’s), 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The soldiers carried the coffin draped in the Royal Standard as millions of people around the world watched the ceremony last September.
The unit had a close connection with the queen — as the serving monarch she held the position of company commander and made a personal review of the company every decade.
The work of the eight pallbearers was highlighted during the broadcast of the Queen’s funeral, with viewers describing themselves as holding their breath when the guardsmen had to carry the coffin up the steps to the West Door of St George’s Chapel.
Tory former minister Eddie Hughes said: “I held my breath for every step… These lads are amazing.”
Fellow Tory MP Tom Hunt said at the time: “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.”
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King Charles III follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre on top, as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey after her state funeral. Reuters -
The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth travels down the Long Walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. AP -
Pall bearers carry the coffin into St. George's Chapel, in Windsor. AP -
A Royal Guard stands by floral tributes at Windsor Castle. AFP -
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors to Westminster Abbey. Getty Images -
Prince William and Prince Harry follow the coffin of the queen after her state funeral in Westminster Abbey. AP -
Emma, the monarch's fell pony, stands as Queen Elizabeth's coffin passes at Windsor Castle. PA -
Members of the royal household stand with Queen Elizabeth's Corgis, Muick and Sandy, as they await the funeral cortege at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. AP -
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the state funeral service in London. AFP -
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is pulled along The Mall following her funeral service in Westminster Abbey. AP -
Flowers thrown by the public lie on the hearse carrying the coffin as it arrives at Windsor Castle. AP -
King Charles at the state funeral in London. Reuters -
People sleep before the funeral service at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
A giant screen honouring the late queen at Piccadilly Circus in London. EPA -
King Charles looks towards the coffin of his mother at Westminster Abbey. Getty Images -
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sitting in a car as a British flag is reflected in its window. AFP -
Buckingham Palace household staff return through the gates of the palace after paying their respects. AFP -
Staff Sergeant Yeoman Darren Fowler, right, and Captain Rebecca Cooper from the Royal Signals at the Elizabeth Tower, checking that Big Ben Chimes in time with gunfire during the state funeral procession. EPA -
King Charles salutes as he is driven past Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images -
The London skyline is seen as the procession moves down The Mall. Getty Images -
The coffin of the queen is pulled on a gun carriage by Royal Navy sailors from Westminster Abbey. Getty Images -
Princess Charlotte arrives by car ahead of the funeral in central London. AP -
The coffin is carried into St George's Chapel for the Committal Service, in Windsor Castle. AP -
A woman cries in London's Hyde Park while watching the funeral service. AP -
Prince George looks towards his father Prince William during the Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Getty Images -
Queen Elizabeth's coffin is driven along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. Reuters -
People waiting along the route that the coffin will be pulled on a gun carriage in central London. AP -
King Charles and the Queen Consort Camilla follow the coffin at St George's Chapel. AP -
The Royal State Hearse arrives at Windsor Castle. Getty Images -
King Charles follows the State Gun Carriage as it carries the coffin at Westminster Abbey. PA -
Members of the public gather to see the coffin as it travels from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in London. Getty Images -
King Charles and members of the royal family follow behind the coffin as it is carried into Westminster Abbey. PA -
The Imperial State Crown resting on the coffin. Getty Images -
The hearse transporting the coffin is covered in flowers thrown by the public. AFP -
The Bearer Party of The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards carries the coffin from Westminster Abbey. AFP
