Yahoo News 'They did country proud': Viewers heap praise on pallbearers who carried Queen's coffin
The guardsmen who carried the Queen’s coffin have been praised for their professionalism as she was laid to rest on an emotional day.
Soldiers from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, were under immense pressure, with millions of people around the world watching on.
The pallbearers remained faultless when carrying Her Majesty’s coffin in Westminster and Windsor as people paid their last respects to the longest reigning monarch.
The soldiers showed composure whenever they transported their commander's coffin which was draped in the Royal Standard.
Watch: State funeral pallbearers praised for service to the Queen
The work of the eight pallbearers was highlighted by people watching from home, including MPs.
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.”
Labour MP Barbara Keeley described the bearer party as "wonderful”.
The guardsmen maintained their composure despite being faced with the challenge of carrying the coffin up the steps to the West Door of St George’s Chapel.
Tory former minister Eddie Hughes added: “I held my breath for every step… These lads are amazing.”
Read more: Where will the Queen be buried? How to visit the late monarch's final resting place
Carla Lockhart, Upper Bann’s DUP MP, paid a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers.
She 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."
While broadcaster Stephen Fry praised the soldiers with a quip, adding: “Bearer Party, to the pub – quick march.
“Bearer Party, lift tankard. Bearer party, down beer. You’ve earned it.”
Read more: Queen’s coffin passes by her beloved corgis as monarch is laid to rest
The Queen’s Company will retain its name until the monarch is laid to rest and later change to reflect the new King.
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.
Former British Army soldier Major Adrian Weale said: “They became the Queen’s Company immediately after the death of George VI and the Queen has been commander ever since.
“It’s their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining the Queen’s Company until King Charles decides otherwise.
“Their duties will then be transitioned to the next monarch.”
On the day the Queen died, the unit was deployed on operations in Iraq but returned to take part in the ceremonial events.
