Veteran at Queen's funeral spotted with King-sized hip flask

It was a sombre occasion for millions of Britons which may have seen some require a strong drink as they bade farewell to the Queen.

And one veteran who witnessed Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral was spotted swigging from a particularly distinctive flask with his former armed forces colleagues.

As thousands gathered along the Mall and throughout London to pay their final respects to the late Queen following her death at the age of 96, the serviceman was seen taking a drink from a giant hip flask.

He was decorated in badges and medals showing his service to the Queen and his country, with a poppy in remembrance pinned to his chest.

On his head is a maroon beret, which is often the mark of airborne troops in the British military.

During a day of such grief for the nation, having lost a monarch of over 70 years, the hip flask provided a moment of light relief.

Read more: Visibly upset Prince Andrew holds back tears as he escorts coffin

Following an emotional service in Westminster Abbey attended by the Royal Family and foreign dignitaries from across the world, the Queen was brought on a procession through London, passing down The Mall and past Buckingham Palace for a final time.

The crowd broke into applause and cheers after the Queen’s coffin passed them and circled round the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

Members of the Royal Family, including the King, remained expressionless as they marched behind, while other members of the royal family, including the Princess of Wales, looked on at the crowds as they passed them in vehicles.

Read more: Harry and William pictured solemnly walking behind Queen's coffin in echo of Diana's funeral

Once the coffin reached Buckingham Palace, members of staff at the palace bowed and curtsied both at the coffin and members of the royal family as they made their way past.

The Queen’s state funeral was unprecedented in scale and grandeur for a sovereign incomparable in duty and service.

Millions watched around the globe as a nation in mourning staged a final goodbye to its cherished longest-serving monarch.