Rare, recently released photos have shown a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the Queen’s guards in between lengthy shifts standing watch during her lying-in-state.
The guards, known for their bearskin hats and stoic expressions, were guarding the Queen’s coffin around the clock in the lead-up to her funeral on Monday.
But, recent photos shared by the UK Ministry of Defence show a more human side to them, with shots of them resting between shifts with their shoes and jackets off, napping and lounging in the parliament building, and dressing each other.
“The UK Armed Forces are continuing to honour their Commander-in-Chief of 70 years, Her Majesty The Queen,” the Ministry captioned the photos.
Members of His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, the Royal Company of Archers and the Yeomen of the Guard guarded the Queen’s coffin during vigils and her funeral and switched places every 20 minutes during her lying-in-state.
The new photos come after footage shared earlier this week captured the moment a member of the Royal Guard collapsed near the Queen’s coffin in front of mourners, falling face forward towards the stone floor and bracing himself at the last second.
During Her Majesty’s funeral, Lance Sergeant Wordsworth of the First Battalion Coldstream Guards described the preparations made for the service, involving days of standing guard and rehearsals.
“For the funeral of Her Majesty, I am involved in doing the street lining. We’re also lining the route to St George’s Chapel for when the Queen comes down,” he said to the Ministry of Defence.
“On Wednesday, September 14, I was part of the Guard of Honour at Buckingham Palace when the coffin was received, and then when Her Majesty left to be taken in the procession to Westminster Hall.
“Obviously this has been planned for, and you can see how many people are with us, how it is trying to get them working in unison, but as a battalion. This is our bread and butter.”
The soldier added that it was an immense honour to take part in the late monarch’s funeral and a defining moment in any guard member’s career.
“This is one of the biggest occasions, as sad as it may be, you’re not going to define anything more in your army career than starting as a Queen’s guard and probably finishing as a King’s guard.”
Images: @DefenceHQ (Twitter)
This article first appeared on OverSixty.